August 2021 a Class of '55 Lunch at Amalfi's in Lawrenceville, NJ, Last

Class Notes - 1955

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July 2021 – August 2021

A Class of ’55 lunch at Amalfi’s in Lawrenceville, NJ, last October brought out a loyal group organized by Bill Doerler, who arrived with his wife, Pat. Also in attendance were Fred Antil, Barbara Balsam Brown, Ann Farwell Hoffman, Stan and Beverly Manning, and the Usiskins (Clive and Joyce). Carol Spivak ’56 also joined the bunch. Most of them had planned to be at our 65th Reunion last June — but life didn’t work out that way. Maybe the 70th will be the magic number!

Eleanor Greig Downing, who lives in Endwell, writes that she has ten grandchildren and three “greats” keeping her busy. Floyd Ayers from St. Cloud, MN, reports he’s been “training my hunting dogs” and focusing on “next year’s plans.” During his years on campus, the Clinton House was a favorite dining destination, with seafood on the menu.

Daniel Krouner brought us up to date on his life with this summary: “Retired from New York State tax and finance after 26 years, and then spent remaining years in the hospitality field, managing hotels. After welcoming eight grandchildren, the family gained two new great-grandchildren and thankfully, all are healthy.” As a loyal season ticket-holder and attendee at Boston Celtics games from Albany for 55 years, Danny was honored at the NBA Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA, by the Celtics. He joined an elite group paying tribute to Bird, Cousy, and others whose names appear on the banners.

Danny served as our class treasurer for three years, and summarized that he was “lucky with friends from Sage Hall as a freshman,” and enjoyed great friends all these years at frat reunions in Scottsdale, and during his days on the basketball team with Hank Buncom and Dick Schaap. “All the hotelies still meet, like Nils Nordberg and his great wife.” He adds, “I really finally grew up,” and it sounds like it was a great adventure all the way.

Bob Leader says “like everyone else,” he’s anxious to travel, visit, discard the mask, and get vaccinated, and as for changes in his life, his children “telephone more often, but marriages, births, illness and growing in maturity continue.” Ken Carlson moved from Colorado to Ocala, FL, in 2020 and finds his new situation “amazing! We no longer have snowstorms of three to four feet, and no more shoveling: good news at 87!” The Carlsons are living on the first fairway at Ocala Palms. “Come visit and bring your good luck and clubs!” Ken has kept in touch with Dave Schmidt and his wife, Joanne, who had recently arrived in Fort Pierce, FL. “Go, Class of ’55!”

Seymour Musiker is a Florida resident, but summers on Long Island.What’s changed in Sy’s life can be traced to Covid 19 and the subsequent isolation and vaccination requirement. His biggest takeaway from the pandemic is becoming familiar with “Fauci, a Cornell man.” A connection we’re all proud of, for sure.

Dick Kurtz says his daily life changed “radically, with six weeks of Covid 19 and a week in the hospital with 104 fever for several days, and “our quads, of course!” Dick says we can check “The More the Merrier” for updates on their granddaughter’s four identical boy quadruplets, “all very healthy and handsome in Dallas.” After being born sharing one placenta, they celebrated their first birthday on March 15 and now have over 75,000 followers on the Web.

Alice Heft Saligman Brinkmann’s big news is their move to Philadelphia, and John Braun reports that he and Marilyn moved into a retirement home only a few miles north of their home of 57 years in Wyoming, a Cincinnati suburb. The only downside is “it’s difficult to get out and meet new people.”

Don Jacobs appreciates getting older – “lucky at 88” – he’s trying to keep healthy and out of hospitals. “I am married to that lovely coed (Frances Walden ‘56) I met at Cornell in 1954.” As for life in a pandemic, it sure is better with two!” They have three children, all doing well. Don says they “live in a community that has provided all the pandemic aids.” Dave Sheffield comments that “not too much has changed for retired folk like us, compared to the true changes placed upon working families with children.”

I now have two granddaughters at Cornell -- but their experience (with masks and social distancing) won’t match ours. We know that they’ll come up with their own traditions instead, and make it all work for them.

A Greek poet, Constantine Peter Cavafy, wrote a poem published in 1911 entitled “Ithaka”, in which he talks about the voyage we can all relate to.

“As you set out for Ithaka hope your road is a long one. full of adventure, full of discovery . . . May there be many summer mornings when, With what pleasure, what joy, You enter harbors you’re seeing for the first time . . .

Keep Ithaka always in your mind. Arriving there is what you’re destined for. But don’t hurry the journey at all. . . Better if it lasts for years, So you’re old by the time you reach the island, Wealthy with all you’ve gained on the way, not expecting Ithaka to make you rich.

Ithaka gave you the marvelous journey . . . Without her you wouldn’t have set out She has nothing left to give you now. And if you find her poor, Ithaka won’t have fooled you, Wise as you will have become, so full of experience, You’ll have understood by then what these Ithakas mean.

Thank you to everyone who is submitting their news! We have a word limit each issue, so your submission may appear in a future posting.

MAY 2021 -JUNE 2021

Doris Wunsch Neilson just finished a Caribbean cruise that took her to three new countries. “I have visited 183 countries out of the 196 from the International Travel News list.” She is recovering from lymphoma, “which kept me down the past year. Now things are looking good!” We’re glad to hear that, Doris. Peter Romeo describes his “domicile” in an independent living facility -- where his unit backs up to a girls- only high school softball diamond -- “a great spectator venue. I take a short walk to the main building for breakfast every morning and converse with them between bites and slurps.”

Winthrop Cody lives in Naples, FL and continues to play golf twice a week. His wife, Marilyn, died in 2019, ending 61 years of happy marriage. Win was looking forward to our 65th reunion last June, but it was not to be. Before all plans were cancelled, he commented, “It’s neat that I can stay at the Statler on campus!” Floyd Ayers keeps busy training his hunting dogs and giving thought to next year’s plans. A favorite dining experience was “seafood at the Clinton House.”

For Malcolm Whyte, it’s “family, friends and writing” that bring him the most satisfaction these days. His new book “Gorey Secrets,” published by the University Press in Mississippi, is due out this spring. Malcolm adds, “I appreciate the many interesting articles in the alumni magazine. Well done!” Allen Blauth says that “Foulkways has done a wonderful job in keeping us safe from Covid 19,” and has programs (fitness, with a max of four in the gym at one time) that suit him. Allen’s wife, Barbara, died in 2018 but a lady, two years younger, “tries her best to keep me going.” Due to arthritis, he’s had to give up golf and fly-fishing. Allen has a great kitchen so “we cook as much as possible.”

Bob Mules has been working around the house, yard and garden. “I still like to bowl, but our team has split up.” Bob’s roommate Bill Hughes, died last April. Bob would like to be traveling more, but Margaret can’t. “I love our church. I love my wife of 62 years. I thank God every day for my good health and each day He gives me.” As for Bob’s favorite dining experience: “The dairy barn crew would all go down to Joe’s Italian restaurant once in a while. The best Italian food in Ithaca!” Joe Silverman has relocated to a senior village for practical reasons and retired from psychiatric practice November 2018. “My devoted wife of 59 years has very limited ability to travel, and she needs me to be in constant attendance.” Joe says he enjoys “being a fan of children and grandchildren, including Will Silverman, Cornell 2021.” It’s been a long, hard winter for everyone, and here’s hoping for better days in the future!

I want to thank everyone who’s written with their news. Danny Krouner, yours will appear next time. And congrats on being honored at the NBA Hall of Fame!

March 2021 – April 2021

Paul Sammelwitz’s favorite dining experience at Cornell was visiting with his older sister and her husband, a 1953 graduate who was employed locally and residing in Ithaca during his time there. Paul has been “keeping up with daily appointments -- including doctor visits, working out at the local YMCA, and most important, visiting my wife and having dinner with her each evening. She is in a local facility that deals with dementia.” Doris Wunsch Neilson just finished a Caribbean cruise that took her to three new countries. “I have visited 183 countries out of the 196 from the International Travel News list.” She is recovering from lymphoma, “which kept me down the past year. Now things are looking good!” We’re glad to hear that, Doris.

Peter Romeo describes his “domicile” in an independent living facility in Rochester -- where his unit backs up to a girls-only high school softball diamond -- “a great spectator venue. I take a short walk to the main building for breakfast every morning, and converse with them between bites and slurps.” As president of the residents’ council, he fields complaints (“most of which are repetitive but well-founded”) and does occasional architectural consulting. He serves on the building and grounds committee at his home R.C. parish, and has lunch once a month with six or eight high school classmates. Pete also gets great satisfaction from time spent with three of his sons (#3, 4 and 5), who are all local bachelors and good cooks. “All three have a warped sense of humor and are my caretakers.” He’d like to be able to spend more time with sons #1,2 and 6, too. Pete visits his one-and-only daughter and her family every six weeks or so. A pretty full plate!

Winthrop Cody lives in Naples, FL and continues to play golf twice a week. His wife, Marilyn, died in 2019, ending 61 years of happy marriage. Win was looking forward to our 65th reunion last June, but it was not to be. Before all plans were cancelled, he commented, “It’s neat that I can stay at the Statler on campus!” Maybe next time, Win! Floyd Ayers keeps busy training his hunting dogs and giving thought to next year’s plans. A favorite dining experience was “seafood at the Clinton House.”

The two things that keep Gordon White busy are sailing on Chesapeake Bay and “driving my vintage race car.” Anything else? Writing and “keeping on as I am,” he says. E. Howland Smith describes himself as “long retired” after many years as a consultant and fund raiser for non-profits, including three years at the Cornell Hotel School. We send condolences on learning that that Swifty’s oldest son died last August. Swifty wishes he could still be skiing and/or playing tennis, but he’s happy to be enjoying warm winters in Arizona and cool summers in Vermont with family. He has fond memories of “that great restaurant way up on a hill across the lake with wonderful views.” Fred Antil says, “After retiring, I became very involved with Ithaca and the university, serving on the Ithaca school board and Friends of Ithaca College, and was ’55 Class President. In the 90s I began researching Lincoln and gave more than 100 presentations as Lincoln. I narrated the Gettysburg Address voiceover in the CornellCast video of ‘University historians present Cornell’s copy of the Gettysburg Address.’ Fred’s new book, in stores now, ‘A Lincoln Treasure Trove,’ is one we should all look for.

Bob Mules has been working around the house, yard and garden. “I still like to bowl, but our team has split up.” Bob’s roommate, Bill Hughes, died last April. Bob would like to be traveling more, but Margaret can’t. “I love our church, I love my wife of 62 years, I thank God every day for my good health and each day He gives me.” As for Bob’s favorite dining experience: “The dairy barn crew would all go down to Joe’s Italian restaurant once in a while. The best Italian food in Ithaca!” Joe Silverman has relocated to a senior village for practical reasons and retired from psychiatric practice November 2018. “My devoted wife of 59 years has very limited ability to travel, and she needs me to be in constant attendance.” Joe says he enjoys “being a fan of children and grandchildren, including Will Silverman, Cornell 2021.” It’s been a long, hard winter for everyone, and here’s hoping for better days in the future!

I want to thank everyone who’s written with their news. Danny Krouner, yours will appear next time. And congrats on being honored at the NBA Hall of Fame! Please take note of my new address:

Nancy Savage Petrie 85 Brook Street Groton, CT 06340

January 2021 – February 2021

We’ll start this column with a very interesting story that you’ll enjoy. It comes from Rishon Stember MD. He and his wife, Nancy, recently had dinner with Cornell friends Jerry Hochberg ’54 and Ellie Sager Grayzel ’57. Jerry related that one day between classes he was relaxing on the grass with his classmate, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, and her boyfriend, Marty Ginsberg. Jerry recalled that RBG was shy, quiet, pretty and brilliant. She has certainly become an icon and Cornell women are thrilled to think she trod our same paths across the Quad.

Rishon and his portrait painter wife have been married 49 years, have three physician children and ten grandchildren. In 2014 he retired from his Allergy practice and changed careers to his current fulltime practice of Psychiatry. Thank you for your kind words about the Class of 1955 column. Always great to get feedback!

Jane Trynin Feder has lots of good news: her health is good, she feels fortunate to be “sharing my life with Al, my husband for 62 years,” and they will soon be great- grandparents. One of Jane’s favorite activities is solving the Friday puzzle contest in the Wall Street Journal. “Perhaps there is a classmate out there who’d like to share in trying to come up with the answers?”

Also counting his blessings, of which he has many, is Dick Kurtz. He’s still active with friends and family, the San Diego Auto Museum, and lots of volunteer jobs (at the church, for neighbors and friends). The biggest news happened last March, when “our granddaughter presented us with four identical boys. The quadruplets are all very healthy and getting some publicity over this one-in-17-million event!” Dick and his wife, Perry Ann, are having lots of fun with the 15-pound boys – but the family lives in Dallas, which limits their visits. Dick expressed his gratitude for “great health, a loving family, and loads of friends.”

Donald Huene continues to work as an orthopedic surgeon consultant and maintains his interest in race horses at Santa Anita and Del Mar. He has 14 grandchildren – “all college students or graduates”- and although he is widowed, he finds that his family and his orthopedic work keeps him “very contented,” with nothing else he’d rather be doing.

Charlotte Bialo Picot writes that she and other concerned neighborhood residents formed Queens Residents United “to bring transparency to the undemocratic process that resulted in the approval of Mayor DeBlasio’s plan to build high-rise jails in residential areas of Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan and Queens. Whoever thought that in my 80s I would become a political activist? Go, Cornell girls, go!”

John Diggins and his wife, Priscilla, were married by the mayor of Ithaca in January 1955, and this year marks their 65th anniversary. They’ve lived on Padre Island (“great place!”) since 2012. Roy Allen expresses his “hope that COVID-19 doesn’t interrupt our world travels! There are lots of places still to see as we approach 100 countries visited!”

Elizabeth Milliken Klim, who lives in Mattapoisett, MA, is swimming, walking the beaches, painting and making collages, plus staying in touch with friends and family, near and far. Libby and her husband, Bernie, are living the good life, which includes “having a home nearby beaches, with a yard that allows 10-foot distancing.” Anything else she wishes she could be doing? “Cross country skiing this winter.” Her favorite dining experience seems to be fresh-caught seafood and oysters on the half shell.

Paul Hyman and his wife, Helen, have been busy celebrating their 60th anniversary, as part of a world cruise on the Queen Victoria. They visited 22 ports over a two- month period “accomplished before the Covid 19 lockdown. Now, shelter in place restrictions prevent travel and festivals of the arts. With the world in disarray, we ZOOM with family in Thailand, California and Virginia to track graduations and marriage events.” Paul says his favorite dining experience back in the day was Taughannock Falls Inn. In 2019, Fred Antil published his 230-page book, “A Lincoln Treasure Trove,” and was grateful to classmates for feedback. Bill Doerler, Ron Gonales and Nils Nordberg answered the call. “Bill wasn’t subtle” and he advised Fred to “flesh out the book a little,” which Fred apparently did, adding another 55 pages for a second edition, which came out in July. Another friend and classmate, Sue Spooner Olsen, “a gifted writer and editor, actually helped me edit this second edition. God bless the class of ’55 for their help and support!”

November 2020 – December 2020

We are still striving to deal with the loss of Michael Avery, our former class president, who played such a vital role in our class. Like all of us, Mike had been looking forward to Reunion. He was loved and admired by all who knew him, and we send our heartfelt condolences to Catherine. Bill Doerler says, “In his honor, for the many contributions to our class and Cornell, and as your new President, I have added his name to the class scholarship. It is now known as the Michael J. Avery Class of 1955 Scholarship.”

Members of the Class of 1955 have responded to Health needs on campus with timely generosity. In 2015, the class and Peter Schluter ’55 gave a $100,000 gift to name a room in the new Cornell Health facility. In July 2020, our class continued supporting this project, donating $75,000 from our class treasury with Peter Schluter providing an additional $25,000 to make it an even $100,000 again.

Our donation will support upgrades to the electronic health records system at Cornell Health. These upgrades will bolster the unit’s pandemic response by enabling contactless self-check-in for telehealth and in-person appointments, coordinated management of COVID-19 testing clinics on campus, and efficient monitoring of students who are in isolation or quarantine. Sharon McMullen, assistant vice president of Student and Campus Life for Health and Wellbeing, expressed appreciation for our classmates’ generosity. “Gifts like this allow Cornell Health to cultivate the staffing, physical spaces, and systems necessary to stay on the cutting edge of college health.”

Barbara Balsam Brown answered the question How has your life changed recently? this way: “Len passed away in 2007, changing my life from being a devoted, adventurous partner to being a single retiree.” It’s a very difficult transition, as so many of us know. We send you our sympathy, Barbara. She adds, “I took courses in computers in the 70s and retired as a systems engineer.” She then volunteered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and maintained her temple’s website. “I am now sheltering in place, waiting for the resolution of the pandemic.” Donna Jean Avery Darling says she’s “staying as sane as possible in the wake of this mass epidemic,” and is thankful she can do all the Tai Chi she wants, right in the privacy of her own home. “This experience has shown me the reason for having an up-to-date cell phone. I can barely take part in ‘Zoom’ meetings with this ancient computer on my desk!”

Carol Rittershausen Byron is in her vacation house and catching up on books. “Two that I would highly recommend authored by our ’55 classmates are: ‘A Lincoln Treasure Trove’ by Fred Antil, and ‘The General and His Daughter’ by Barbara Gavin Fauntleroy. We send condolences to George Shear, whose wife, Diana, passed away last December, after nearly 70 years of marriage. Bringing him the most satisfaction these days is “my family, a good meal, and sunrise each day.”

Bob Leader, who lives in Cocoa Beach, FL, is busy with “legal work, travel, keeping up the yard and house.” And filling the role of proud paterfamilias of 17 grandchildren and three great-grands. He’d like to be traveling more. Here’s what Bob enjoys: “(1) waking up and (2) doing some physical work successfully.” His favorite dining experience in Ithaca? the Cochon Rouge restaurant. Doris Neilson is keeping busy for sure. She just returned from a Caribbean cruise which took her to three new countries. She explains, “I have visited 183 countries out of the 196 listed on the International Travel News list.” Quite a record!

Memories from Dick Bump, a member of the Glee Club and one of the Cayuga’s Waiters: “Tom Tracy was director of the Glee Club. He was tough and very fatherly. He asked me to take voice lessons for $5 a lesson. Mom slipped me the money and told me not to tell Dad. That summer I sang my songs with a church organist who played very loud. When I got back sophomore year, I nearly knocked Tom over; he was amazed. From then on, I sang ‘Cornell’ at every men’s Glee Club concert, including the Spring 1955 tour to Mexico City, New York City, Houston, Denver, Chicago and Cleveland, traveling in a 2- engine prop plane.” Dick also rowed crew, which he said was ‘the oldest and hardest sport at Cornell.’ The Johnson-O’Connor test showed he had 100% aptitude in rhythm, ‘which helped me in my music --and in crew!’

September 2020 – October 2020

Well, we’re all disappointed; we were so looking forward to seeing friends again! But that’s a done deal … so the next best thing is to catch up with classmates this way, by reading about them in our ’55 column! Thank you to all who have sent in news. I’m going to start with Rima Kleiman Sharron from Oceanside, CA. She and John can no longer travel due to medical issues, but their families come to visit, bringing along great-grandsons, one in each family. They especially treasure the memories of happy times sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, from Australia to Ecuador, France, Tahiti and the Caribbean. Rima’s recollections of Ithaca include eating at the Dutch Kitchen in the Hotel Ithaca (“best apple pie”), Lehigh Valley, Café Normandy, Taughannock Farms, Krebs. “We used to go to Hammondsport and visit the Great Western winery for free food and champagne on Friday afternoons – on the fifty cent tour!”

Marlene Medjuck Green probably saw Rima at Krebs. Marlene recalls, “I’d date anyone who offered to take me there!” Until Covid 19 interfered, Marlene was playing bridge, doing yoga and dance, going out and watching old films, plus going back and forth between CT and FL.”Now it’s watching old DVD’s,” she adds. She especially enjoyed her 85th birthday, when 32 members of her family helped her celebrate in Hawaii.

Herb Roleke says he’s enjoying retirement in the company of his wife, Mary Ann. Here’s a brief synopsis: graduated, married, and entered the Army in July 1955. ”The service was great for two years, and Mary Ann has been great for nearly 65 years.” The Rolekes moved from Long Island to Florida to be near one of their six children. “All going well at 86 plus!” Elly Rohrlich Koeppel has fond thoughts about the food truck at Risley where she had her first Canadian bacon sandwich. She left Ithaca after two years to return to New York “for romantic reasons,” and graduated from Columbia’s School of General Studies. “But I loved my two years at Cornell! Did lots and lots of traveling when the world was safe -- so no ‘woulda, coulda, shoulda’ regrets.”

“How wonderful to be in the Cornell class of 1955. Great friends forever!” exults Alice Zufall Fellenzer. “Cornell launched me in my career of developing programs for young children.” She founded two nursery schools, wrote a grant for the first HeadStart in Orange County, and then established and directed Kinder College ChildCare at SUNY Orange County in 1984. “My husband I were always enthusiastic partners in family and business adventures.” This summer, Alice was planning to work at Legoland in Goshen, NY, with her 16-year-old grandson. Like many of us anticipating the chance to renew old friendships, Alice had been looking forward to our 65th reunion with her Kappa Delta roommate, Barbara O’Connor Kenny. Hope we can all find a way to reschedule and recoup our interrupted plans.

Another fan of Louie’s Lunch Wagon heard from! Sue Hurd Machamer remembered eating a CBLT at about midnight during exam week (Canadian bacon, lettuce and tomato, for those not in the know.) Great memory! Sue and her husband Jeff have three daughters and three sons- in-law, plus four grandchildren. They all visited South Africa together and last year were in London for Easter. Sue’s prize-winning business can be found at hurd orchards.com.

Peter Eschweiler and his wife Mickie Symonds ’53 have moved to a nearby senior living facility in Briarcliff Manor. After 25 years as the Westchester Commissioner of Planning and consultant to governments, Pete is now Chairman, since 2002, of The Group, a lecture series for seniors at the Mt. Pleasant Library. His son, Steve, is in nearby Ossining, and daughter Susan lives with her Cornellian family in San Francisco. Al Brezinsky and Kay see family regularly, and those relationships bring Al the most satisfaction. Instead of seeing doctors so much, Al would prefer “more traveling again.”

Art Burns also values time spent with family and friends, but what keeps him busy is various medical-related issues. What Art wishes he could be doing instead is “getting a new body!” You may remember reading that Norman Harvey established a Class of 1955 scholarship for economics majors in the College of Arts and Sciences. He was “delighted to hear from the first two recipients.” What a meaningful way to give back! Norm was looking forward to our 65th reunion and also three grandchildren’s graduations, all of which have possibly been canceled.

Here’s a note from Joan Sullivan: “I still have my NYC co-op but may sell soon; it’s getting too difficult to get there.” Joan is grateful for “relatively good health and a nice home. I feel fortunate.” Elizabeth (BJ) Colton Wislar has been “finding new ways to exercise and stay in touch; learning to Zoom and doing FaceTime.” She wishes she could also be “helping those in dire circumstances and aiding those out of work with no income, and all front-line responders.” Happy memories include “a Sunday morning hot fudge sundae at a long-forgotten little shop, just off campus, with an older cousin from out of town.”

July 2020 – August 2020

I can’t help wondering where the world will be when you receive this issue. I know we’re all more-than-sorry to hear the sad news from campus that Reunion has been cancelled. I’m hoping that we will return to normal ASAP — but not until we can be safe! As you have heard many times, listen to the guidelines, maintain social distance and wash your hands.

Well, let’s take a look at recent news from classmates — and I send a big thank you to all who have written. Mort Kolko’s grandson Ben Chartock ’14 is in his third year at Penn, pursuing a doctorate in Care Economics. Mort’s "favorite dining experience on or off campus” was German pancakes made by Charlie Hitzelberger, the cook at the Beta Sigma Rho house. E. Howland Swift, self-described as “long retired” after a career as fund raiser for non- profits (including three years at Cornell’s Hotel School) wishes he was still skiing and/or playing tennis; now he plays golf twice a week. Swifty enjoys warm winters in Arizona and cool summers in Vermont with family. His favorite dining experience was “that great restaurant way up on a hill across the lake with wonderful views.”

We send condolences to Winthrop Cody, whose wife Marilyn died after sharing 61 years of happy marriage. Everett (Pete) McDonough moved to Red Bluff, CA, twenty years ago. "It’s a small, rural community 160 miles north of San Francisco,” where they grow walnuts, almonds, cattle, and prunes, and Pete says he’s “happy to be here, trying to live graciously and gratefully.” In his senior year, he and a fraternity brother moved into a three-room suite with a fireplace and balcony in Baker Tower and hiked up to Willard Straight for breakfast - “a great contrast to the Kline Road dorms of my freshman year!” He’s currently District Coordinator of the AARP/IRS tax aid program, a post he’s held for the past 17 years. He’s also works with a community concert association, Rotary, Elks and is on the local hospital board.

Floridian Steve Clingan says, “I still work every day because I have four sons in the business and I like what I do.” Steve lost his wife, Marge, in 2018 but is grateful for “great family support.” Although he’d like to travel more, he’s been too busy. “My grandchildren fill my thoughts and spare time.” Sandra Wiltse Leininger writes, “I have moved into a senior independent living home in Utah, and am basking in the good, easy life. Three of my six children live nearby.” Sandy plays bridge most evenings and enjoys the exercise programs and the many friendships she’s made. When it comes to Cornell dining experiences, though, she confesses, “My least favorite were the brussels sprouts that were served frequently at Dickson!”

Michael Shinagel, who lives in Cambridge, MA is pleased to dine at home: “My wife is a great cook!” Michael retired in 2013 as the longest-serving dean in Harvard history, and taught his last class in 2019, marking 61 years of college teaching. His memoir, “Holocaust Survivor to Harvard Dean: Memories of a Refugee’s Progress,” was published in 2016. In 1977 Michael enrolled as a founding member of the Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement. For Gordon White, the goal is to “keep on as I am,” which involves sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, driving his vintage race car, and enjoying his marriage to Mary Anne. The most satisfaction in his life comes from writing, he adds. Malcolm Whyte’s book, Gorey Secrets, explores the literary and artistic influence on books by Edward Gorey.

May 2020 – June 2020

A welcome note from Patrick Callahan: “Remember me? I sat behind you in Professor Sale's freshman English class, next to Dick Schaap. (How come he got rich and famous, and I didn't?) Looking back, that was the best course I took. A small class, and personal attention if you showed up at his office. Later on, my classes in my government major were huge; I was just a number in the crowd.

“I did my military service in the Coast Guard, mostly on ships in southeast Alaska. I retired in 1986 from Hughes Aircraft Company in California, where I was a software engineer. My wife, a schoolteacher, had macular degeneration and had to retire early. We moved to Kona, Hawaii, and have enjoyed the Hawaiian lifestyle ever since. I've taught at the U of Hawaii and sold real estate. If you ever visit Hawaii, let’s get together for a Kona coffee!” Thanks, Patrick.

Everett McDonough is in his 15th year doing taxes through a free IRS/AARP program. He’s been active in Rotary for 50 years, plus local hospital, community concerts and the library. Now, he adds, “trying to grow old gracefully and gratefully!” Don Robinson is a volunteer musician in his church and retirement community. He names Prof. William Miller (Chemistry), his adviser for his senior research project, as the person who had the greatest impact on him. Donald Demske looks back on a “bad, bad year” in which his oldest daughter died, his wife had a hip operation, and Don was fitted out with a pacemaker. Very sorry to hear that news. If he could, Don would like to be “a hostile linebacker again on a winning football team.” Drs. Randy Cole and Bob Baker played a big part in Don’s life. Marcus Reidenberg writes, “While officially retired, I keep my office at Weill Cornell Medical College and go in two days a week for academic activities, including writing editorials for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, the major journal in my discipline.”

Ann “Toni” Eaton is enjoying a renewed relationship with “someone I loved and lost freshman year.” He lives in Cape Cod, so they spend several months there each summer. This has allowed Toni to spend time with fellow classmate and Pi Phi sister, Judith Powell Lothrop. Judy had returned to Cape Cod, then her husband died suddenly in 2014. She’s moved to a retirement community in Mashpee, MA. Hope things are better now, Judy. Margot Oppenheim Robinson and her husband Jack ’54 moved from Longboat Key closer to downtown Sarasota “with all of the wonderful cultural events” like orchestra, ballet, opera, John Ringling Museum. The Robinsons say they’re “very lucky and satisfied with our busy lives.”

Mike Mage still works in the lab at the National Institutes of Health as an Emeritus Scientist and is also a co-chair of the Montgomery County, Maryland, chapter of the ACLU. Is there anything else Mike would like to be doing? “To be back at Cornell playing the chimes.” From the ‘beautiful Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina,” Ann Overbeck reports that she continues her Meals on Wheels route, is active on the Library Foundation Board, and wishes she could spend more time with her old Cornell friends. Don’t we all? Hope you’re all keeping June 2020 in your datebook!

I love reading about and remembering well-known Cornellians, such as cytogeneticist and Nobel Prize winner Barbara McClintock, actor Christopher Reeve, Supreme Court trailblazer Ruth Bader Ginsburg, astronaut Mae Jemison, ‘Science Guy’ Bill Nye, author Toni Morrison, and so many others, including my favorite writer, E.B. White. They were and are pioneers in their fields. They’ve helped us to understand science and the law, have written timeless classics and explored the cosmos. One was even Superman!

March 2020 – April 2020

Lots of news from Renie Hirsch, who lives in Israel. She writes: We're off on a 12- day cruise to the Canary Islands (found out that there are 13, but we're visiting several with some other stops). Taking along my dancing shoes for our favorite dance---the tango.... Enrolled in a healthy class in qigong, a breathing/movement class, going on new day trips in this beautiful Holy Land and planning some new evenings for the Israel Cornell Club I founded over a decade ago. I have recently been asked to give some lectures in "How Food, Vitamins, and Medicines Can Affect Us" and "How to Get More for Your Money at the Supermarket". One of Renie’s grandchildren is in her first year in Cornell Veterinary School. ”It was because I was waiting for her father to be born that I missed our first CU reunion in 1960! Henry and I have happily attended all the others and hope to see you in 2020!” She’s in touch with some of our CU classmates, i.e. Tara (Prince) Goldman, Gerri (Sobel) Katz, Doris Nielson, Dan Sachs, Sue Pel Or (Marty's wife), Barbara Billhauer, Gershon Lewental (her ICC co-chair), Ginny (Wallace Panzer) Wiener. Do miss my Hilda (Bressler) Minkoff, Elliot Tahl, and Connie (Salm) Conlon. Renie was sad to read the announcement in the International New York Times of the death of Professor M.H. Abrams, "who shaped Romantic criticism" and died at 102. “He was one of my professors for whom I babysat and dog sat so many years ago. It IS a blessing that so many of us are still alive and looking forward to more good old days on the Hill.” Dick Shriver and his son Rich have started Salt Marsh Tours, “to take folks out to see the salt marshes, flora and fauna of the lower Connecticut River.” Dick and his younger son, Andrew, are building post & beam pergolas for customers; “rightful work,” he says. Also, “we have a small Cornell club here that meets maybe three times a year, with 30-40 people, all younger!” Don Jacobs runs a large book club and helps his wife, Frances Walden ’56, run a bridge club. “Frances does a great job with bridge, and I am getting better.” You may remember that Don handled the festivities celebrating the 100th anniversary of Penn- Cornell football. The first person Don met on campus was Bobbi Weisburger, “who introduced me to my Cornell wife.” Elinor Rorlich Koeppel says that the first person she met on campus was a “junior guy who crashed the freshman meet-and-greet.” She continued dating him for a year. Bill Doerler checked in to say, “On November 7, I was at Ann’s Choice in Warminster, PA, and had lunch with Fred Antil, Past Class President. We regaled each other with Cornell stories and discussed his avocation as A. Lincoln. He performs regularly as Abe for charity and history groups. In fact, he is head of the History Club at Ann’s Choice. Maybe we should ask him to do a show for us at the next reunion.” I agree … I’m sure most of us would really enjoy hearing Fred’s presentation. And on a personal note: My granddaughter, Nina Brinker, of Portland, Maine, was just notified of her Early Decision acceptance to the Class of 2023, making her the fourth generation Cornellian in our family. She joins her mother, Joanna Morris Brinker ’86, plus her aunts, Sue Morris ’84 and Karen McQuiston ’90, as well as her proud grandmother, in celebrating this good news. Speaking of news, please send some along! The column’s content depends on your input -- and your classmates are eager to hear from you. Thanks.

January 2020 – February 2020

Barbara Loreto Peltz reports that for the fourth time, Joel and Sherry Mallin have generously opened Buckhorn, their home, sculpture garden and Art Barn to classmates and friends. On a beautiful fall day in September, the Mallins held a pre-Reunion brunch and a guided tour of their property for an appreciative group, including Barbara Peltz, the Gilmans (Barbara Burg and Mike (DVM '56), Dave and Joann Schmidt, Hal and Marge Fountain, Jean Weissman Lesser, Tara Prince Goldman, Gil Schlerf and Judy Levy ('57 Law '59), Evan and Florence Janovic, Marlene Medjuck Green, William and Beverly Osgood, Nancy Eisenberg Grabow, Fred Steinberg, Al Greisman, and Charlotte Bialo Picot.

Jim Van Buren writes that he and Mary Martin ’56 still live in their house of 47 years “and I remain the primary yardman.” He still plays golf, and occasionally shoots his age, in spite of shoulder and knee replacement. “Anything requiring a ladder brings over our grandson, Connor, son of David, Hotel ’83. The Van Burens are hoping to make our 65th reunion in June, “but you never know what 12 more months will bring,” he adds. Hope you can make it! Californian Art Burns is a hospital volunteer and is taking a film class at the local senior center. Art wishes he could do more traveling, “but dialysis limits that.” Hans “Wolfi” Duerr is playing water volleyball, and, coincidentally, so is Bill Laube. Hans keeps in touch with Tad Cameron and Dick Schrader, and took “a wonderful trip on the Danube” with a Cornell alumni group in 2017. There was just one alum, class of ’54, who knew the old Cornell songs. My daughters say no one sings those songs any more. What a loss! “The times they are a-changin’,” I guess. Hans volunteers at the local library and has taken several interesting courses with OLLI, from Mahler Symphonies to Tudor England to The Rise and Fall of Constantinople.

Sylvia Mangalam stays busy with Quaker meeting and protesting against GMOs, low minimum wage and bad forestry policies. A heart issue limits her travel; she can’t get travel insurance. Sylvia’s best day at Cornell: “As a first-term freshman I got an A+ on a logic assignment. To me, it meant I could do it.” For Emilyn Larkin Jakes, her best day was when she met Jerry ’53. This past August, they were looking forward to their 65th anniversary. They have moved into a new home – an “easy condo” – and their granddaughter bought their 100-year-old home. “She now takes care of the 2 ½ acres and the lovely old house. We get to visit!” Sounds like a win-win. For Dick Jack, who’s been a hospital volunteer for the past 19 years, “all days at Cornell were pretty good!” He adds, “At 85, staying above ground is an accomplishment.” Back when Herb Roleke applied to Cornell, his high school advisor told him that he wouldn’t hear back for a while. “However, when I told Dean Meek I had just returned from touring Europe by myself at age 16 – and the grand hotels I had stayed in – he told me then and there I was accepted!” Herb met John Mulholland, another freshman registering for the hotel school, “and we have been friends to this day.”

From Roger Burggraf in Fairbanks, Alaska: “I am 86 years old and working fulltime, active in the Alaska Miners Association, Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, and Chairman of the Board of Greatland River Tours operating the dinner cruise boat Tanana Chief Sternwheeler.” Roger also enjoys growing their own vegetables in a large garden and helping to encourage Alaska’s economic development. Roger was a member of Kappa Delta Rho and owner of Tripod, everyone’s favorite three-legged husky. Marlene Crosier Carpenter met her future husband on her “best day” at Cornell -- and now they’re expecting their first great-granddaughter in June. Marlene says she’s enjoying each day, keeping up on geneology, reading and correspondence. Jim and Sally Zautner Vanicek have been traveling, gardening and boating, but wish they could be still skiing! Their granddaughter, Rachel Vanicek, the daughter of Bruce ’88, graduated in May. “That makes 4th generation, including my dad, Robert Zautner ’27.”

A while ago, Beth Ward, the daughter of Dennis Murphy, sent Bill Doerler a reminiscence of her father. “He met his great friend, Bill ‘Yo’ Yoder from Ohio. Both were farm boys, although Mr. Yoder’s agricultural prowess was greater than my dad’s. My father wore two hats: farmer 24/7 and school teacher 180 days a year. My parents were married for 25 years and produced nine children, several with severe intellectual handicaps. After they divorced with an epic Supreme Court decision predicated on property rights, my father joined the Peace Corps and resettled in Thailand, where he died in 2003. I saw the RBG documentary and realized that my father was on campus at the same time as Ruth and her husband.”

What’s your favorite memory? Hope you’re all making plans to get back to campus in June, renew friendships, and walk your favorite paths once more. Watch for details!

November 2019 – December 2019

Elizabeth Rothermel Hopwood remembered her “big sister” in Delta Gamma, the late Leslie Reed Papenfus ’54, noting that she was “loved by everyone, especially in her last endeavor, the Little Theater of Alexandria.” Leslie’s family gave “the most meaningful memorial,” Liz reported.

Liz, who lives in Fort Lauderdale, is busy with the Florida Grand Opera and Symphony of the Americas and keeps up with her exercise regimen – a must since she was scheduled to get a new knee in March. Hope it went well, Liz. Malcolm Whyte’s new book (with an intro and notes by R. Crumb) is Maxon Crumb: Art Out of Chaos. Now in the works is a new book about Edward Gorey entitled Gorey Secrets. Malcolm continues to be active with the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco and he’s planning his fourth trip to Africa to visit Kenya, Zimbabwe and Botswana.

For Phil Alkon, life is full. He enjoys occasional wildlife lecturing, golf, and trips via Road Scholar. Remembering someone’s name is a minor victory, Phil admits, though he’s still remembering most faces. He wishes he could get to Israel more often, and as for his “best day at Cornell,” Phil says, “there were too many to pick one. The entire Cornell experience was transformational and one I appreciated more and more as time passes.”

Robert Mules’ best day was “when I took Reserve Grand Champion in the Draft Horse Division of the Round-up Club’s show at Farm and Home Week 1952.” This win was all the more meaningful because “my dad was in the stands watching.”

Ithaca native Frank Baldwin chairs the Cornell Nuclear Disarmament group and also works to reforest the pine tree nature preserve in Ithaca. Before Frank was coaching field hockey, he played with the Cornell club team. He wishes he could also be teaching orthopedic surgery in a medical facility in Afghanistan. Frank’s best day was “when I won the Interfraternity cross country race for Phi Psi.”

Rishon Stember’s first career was full-time allergist; now he’s a part- time psychiatrist and father of three children, all physicians, all living in the New York City area. If time and circumstances allowed, he’d love to be cruising on the Queen Mary. He remembers the “best day” in October 1954 when he learned he was admitted to NYU medical school.

Ken Hunt says he’s moved “for the 23rd time, from Boise to Seattle.” Too bad we didn’t get more details! He wishes he could resume traveling and still living in England. And what gives him the most satisfaction these days? His response, “Breathing is up there,” is one that many of us can relate to. He adds that he remembers Spring Weekend 1955 as a highlight of his Cornell years.

Renie Adler Hirsch is still holding meetings with the Israel Cornell Club (ICC) that she founded many years ago. She and her husband, Henry, say they “enjoy taking trips, including cruises, to places we haven’t been.” And “being alive – both of us – being married for over 62 years and still hoping for many more in good health.” Graduation Day was a “best day” for Renie. “My mother, dad, and brother were alive and with me --- and so proud!” A great memory.

Donald Robinson also regards Graduation Day as his best. Don and his wife have “a full schedule of activities, including concerts, lectures and volunteer work. No spare time except rest!” Norman Harvey spends four or five months every summer at his home in Kennebunk Beach, ME, and rents in Naples, FL, in the winter. He’d like to be traveling more, he said, but is pleased that his five grandchildren are nearby. Norm has established a scholarship fund for undergraduate economics majors in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Sue Hurd Machamer and her husband, Jeff, traveled to London with their whole family last April. Sue and her daughter, Amy, are business partners in managing their large acre fruit farm and lovely market in Holley, NY. Sue writes, “The great thing about fruit growing is that you never have to retire!” See more on Facebook @ Hurd Orchards. Sue says, “I very much enjoy keeping in touch with Cornell friends of all classes,” and adds, “On my wish list is that one of our three 16-17- year-old granddaughters might be interested in Cornell.”

Welcome news from Bill Laube, who writes, “We live in the Del Webb Sun City Lincoln Hills community of 7200 homes, their largest. We’re 30 miles northeast of Sacramento, sorta out in the country. Jan Scura (my sweetheart) and I just returned from a wonderful 10-day Grand Circle tour of the National Parks in Arizona, Colorado and Utah. This past Saturday, one of my daughters, Cindy, visited and took us to a fabulous Andrea Bocelli concert in Sacramento. What a Father’s Day gift! An amazing performance. The arena of 19,000 was packed and wouldn’t let him go. And we’re looking forward to reunion in June, less than a year away. All’s well physically…we are blessed.”

Let’s all highlight the weekend of June 4-7 to be in Ithaca for our great 65th Reunion. Details are on the way!

September 2019 – October 2019

I want to give a shout-out to all ‘55ers –you know who you are! -- who have kept us informed of what’s happening in their lives. My mailbox is nearly full! It’s been great hearing from classmates, and I want to assure you that your news is much appreciated. It will be included our Class of ’55 column in Cornell Alumni Magazine . . . but because of the number of responses I’m going through, some from back in March, it may take a few months before you see your name in print.

John Wertis is enjoying his role as the town historian of Ulysses, as well as keeping tabs on his family’s activities. Grace Parsons is happy to report that knitting is keeping her arthritic hands nimble, and she’s still playing bridge and keeping up with friends and church activities. Seymour Musiker’s father told him that Florida was “beautiful country” and now he agrees. Sy says he has the best of both worlds, between Florida and Long Island, and had dinner recently with fellow classmates Ron Ganeles, Frank Tretter, and Gerry Bloom.

All of John Diggins’ children are retiring and everyone is in excellent health. One of John’s “best days” was January 22, 1955, when he married Priscilla. Nowadays, boating and house maintenance keep him busy. Sigrid Olafson Romsos says she’s “joyous and contented” with life. Sigrid’s first husband, Ted Farwell, died four years ago, and after his death she met and married Ron Romsos. Their main outside interest is Viking Cruises, and Sigrid adds that she gets great satisfaction from her ability to “enjoy each moment.” Her best day at Cornell was when she received her autumn grades senior year: “my best ever during my time at Cornell!”

Gerald McDonald is happy to be “staying alive and reasonably healthy,” although he wishes he could see better and play golf better. Gerald remembers his best time at Cornell was “quarterbacking the 150-pound football team 1952-54.” Bernard Rodee replied there were “several best days at Cornell; it was a great experience.” Nowadays he’s serving on the boards of charitable organizations and attending grandchildren’s graduations. He’s active in Shriners International and other Masonic organizations.

Priscilla Rice Oehl and her husband, Dan, spend summers in Avalon, NJ, and winters in Florida. She’s still playing tennis, appreciating her “good health and the ability to remain physically active.” Here’s Pris’ take on her best day at Cornell: “After having married in 1953, giving birth to a son in ’54, leaving for fall semester in ’54 and returning to graduate that spring took some doing, but I was proudly able to graduate with the class of 1955!” Ruth McDevitt Carrozza wrote to say, “After 28 years in Florida, I’m getting settled in York, PA, to be near my daughter and son-in-law. My thin Florida blood has to get used to the cold again, but I do enjoy seeing the snow, the deer across the way, and the wild turkeys crossing in front of my cottage.” Ruth adds, “I am especially happy to be within visiting distance of Marcia Willemen Sutter, and I understand Lancaster, PA (across the river) has an active Cornell alumnae group.”

Leslie Plump lives in Jupiter, FL, and says he keeps busy with TV news commentators, talking books, movies, and lunch with friends. He has done some traveling but wishes he could do more. Rima Kleiman Sharron plays duplicate bridge and is a Sapphire Life Master with 3500+ points. She would like to go to Tahiti once more to scuba and snorkel. “But I did that many times, and I have beautiful memories.” She particularly remembers meeting and singing with Ralph Vaughan Williams when he visited Cornell in 1954. Rima gets great pleasure from “being with my dear husband, John, and sharing our children, grandchildren and good food!” She also keeps in touch with Sara Smith Ellison, “my Cornell roommate and forever friend.” Graduation brought Rima to tears: “I wept, knowing my time at Cornell was over – but never, never forgotten.”

Dick Stratton lives in Chappaqua and has been taking courses at nearby Westchester Community College. His daughter, Kathryn Stratton, graduated from Cornell in 1983, and grandson, Brian Meersma, in 2018. Dick’s best day at Cornell was the day he met his wife, Betty ’56. Beverly MacNamara Wait says that friends and family, plus bridge and golf, keep her busy. Her granddaughter Claudia, a third generation Cornellian, is graduating after studying last year in London.

We send condolences to Peter Romeo, whose wife of 62 years, Marietta, died recently. Pete is president of the resident council at his senior living facility and a member of the chorus. He’s spending “quality time” with three bachelor sons, also Rochester residents, and four other children and their families, all of whom are helping Pete with moral support. He recalls “the first day of classes at White Hall with fellow architecture classmates” as one of his best memories.

Phyllis Birnholtz Melnick recently returned from a “fabulous” Cornell trip to northern India. “I was the oldest in the group but was able to keep up, for which I am grateful because it was demanding. The group of alums was delightful; we all really bonded.” She added, “I inadvertently sacrificed my Cornell cap to the Ganges. May the gods look down and bless us!” Sounds like a great trip, Phyllis.

July 2019 – August 2019

We welcome Barbara Loreto Peltz, who was class president for ten years, Dave Schmidt, and Ron Ganeles, newly-appointed class treasurer, to our class council. Thanks for your dedication to the class! Bill Doerler reported on a luncheon held in Boynton Beach, FL, on Feb. 20. Also attending were Ron, Ted Hymowitz, Ron Ganeles, and Dan Isaacson ’54. Bill recalled, “Ted regaled us with stories of his around-the-world trips on behalf of the soybean industry, the US government, the UN, and his search for primitive soybean plants in the wild. The samples he collected were then used to upgrade existing soybean varieties. During his trips to third world countries he was shot at, jailed and sometimes found himself in the middle of revolutions.” Bill has asked Ted if he could present a talk at our next reunion. The next luncheon for the Cornell classes of ‘54', ‘55, and ‘56 was being planned for May.

And in Hollywood news: Gerald Gordon is directing and producing Showdown at Twin Bluffs starring Barbara Eden and Neile Adams McQueen. According to a Hollywood report, “Any film or theater piece produced by Gerald Gordon is bound to take you on a magical trip of ideas. He has quite a history of opening doors and sacrificing much of his time to make sure the world was aware of those who had God-given gifts to offer.”

Carol Rittershausen Byron enjoys sharing “Good Reads” with Barb Ramsey Adsit and Ann Overbeck. Ann’s current Read: The Secret History of Vladimir Nabokov. Ritt remembers a story told her by Pat Wells Lunneborg. While attending a literary class with Nabokov, Pat called to tell him of an impossible length of pregnancy she discovered while reading Lolita. Professor Nabokov told her she was correct and gave her an ‘A’ for the class!

Robert Mules writes that he “still loves to bowl, but can’t get the other guys together.” They do meet with Robert’s sister and Bill Hughes, his “old roomie at the Dairy Barn,” to play cards. A sad note from Veralee McClain informed us that her husband, Chuck, died last January. “We met in Sage Chapel Choir, where he played the organ and I was a junior in the choir.” Sara Orton’s husband, Eliot “Cot” Orton died in February after two years in hospice. Burial will be in Eliot’s home town of Sherril, NY, in August. Our sympathies go out to all who are suffering losses (more and more, it seems) and good wishes to those doing well.

The Hoehings (Pat and Herbert) enjoy life-long learning classes and road trips offered by a local university. “All in all, we’re happy to have a peaceful, reasonably quiet life in retirement, being independent and able to enjoy church, community and social events.” Asked about her best day at Cornell, Pat replies, “There were fun days, sad days, happy days, and stormy days. I guess they all added up to Graduation Day, definitely a best day.” Like Pat, Bob Leader said Graduation was his best day. He’s working 20-30 hours a week, entertaining visitors and family, and “trying to figure out where the latest ache or pain originated or what it will cause in the future.” He gets away for vacations and travel “as often as I can.”

Donn Resnick keeps busy writing blogs: his last one titled “Kerfuffle.” Bringing Donn the most satisfaction these days is “social interaction with long-time friends, including Jerry Jarvis ’54.” Always good to hear from former roommate Sue Spooner Olsen. “Gardening and ferning are still a major joy for me, so it was a super highlight of the year to see the Philadelphia Flower Show last spring.” After that, it was on to a Baltic Homelands cruise starting in Norway, continuing to Denmark, Germany, Poland, Estonia, Russia, Finland and Stockholm, “a splendid capsule view of each country, educational as well as enticing.” Sue and her family agree, “We would go again tomorrow!”

Rob Stotz says he’s moved to Ashby Ponds in Ashburn, VA. “Lots to do here: learned to play pickleball, joined the Drama Club and played in “HMS Pinafore.” Rob’s still making stained and fused glass “for amusement.” He continues to travel: next up, the trans-Siberian Railway. Stan Stubbe writes, “The years since graduation from the Ag school in 1955 have been an interesting ride. Following graduation, the obligatory six-month tour on active duty in a Nike missile battalion sparked my interest in things electrical, and set me on a course far from agriculture, which was to be -- and continues to be -- the basis of my professional career. Now, I have an active consulting business, Stubbe Consulting LLC, working with local governments.”

Tara Prince Goldman writes that she’s recuperating from major heart surgery and wishes she could be vacationing someplace warm. Tara says there was no one best day: “All of them were great, especially looking back at them. Oh, to be young again!” I’m with you there, Tara.

May 2019 – June 2019

“I did my military service in the Coast Guard, mostly on ships in southeast Alaska. I retired in 1986 from Hughes Aircraft Company in California, where I was a software engineer. My wife, a school teacher, had macular degeneration and had to retire early. We moved to Kona, Hawaii, and have enjoyed the Hawaiian lifestyle ever since. I've taught at the U of Hawaii and sold real estate. If you ever visit Hawaii, let’s get together for a Kona coffee!”

March 2019 – April 2019

Lots of news from Renie Hirsch, who lives in Israel. She writes: “We're off on a 12-day cruise to the Canary Islands (found out that there are 13, but we're visiting several with some other stops). Taking along my dancing shoes for our favorite dance---the tango.... Enrolled in a healthy class in qigong, a breathing/movement class, going on new day trips in this beautiful Holy Land and planning some new evenings for the Israel Cornell Club I founded over a decade ago. I have recently been asked to give some lectures in ‘How Food, Vitamins, and Medicines Can Affect Us’ and ‘How to Get More for Your Money at the Supermarket’.

One of Renie’s grandchildren is in her first year in Cornell Veterinary School. ”It was because I was waiting for her father to be born that I missed our first CU reunion in 1960! Henry and I have happily attended all the others, and hope to see you in 2020!” She’s in touch with some of our CU classmates, i.e. Tara (Prince) Goldman, Gerri (Sobel) Katz, Doris Nielson, Dan Sachs, Sue Pel Or (Marty's wife), Barbara Billhauer, Gershon Lewental (her ICC co-chair), Ginny (Wallace Panzer) Wiener. Do miss my Hilda (Bressler) Minkoff, Elliot Tahl, and Connie (Salm) Conlon. Renie was sad to read the announcement in the International New York Times of the death of Professor M.H. Abrams,"who shaped Romantic criticism" and died at 102. “He was one of my professors for whom I babysat and dog sat so many years ago. It IS a blessing that so many of us are still alive and looking forward to more good old days on the Hill.”

Dick Shriver and his son Rich have started Salt Marsh Tours, “to take folks out to see the salt marshes, flora and fauna of the lower Connecticut River.” Dick and his younger son, Andrew, are building post & beam pergolas for customers; “rightful work,” he says. Also, “we have a small Cornell club here that meets maybe three times a year, with 30-40 people, all younger!”

Don Jacobs runs a large book club and helps his wife, Frances Walden ’56, run a bridge club. “Frances does a great job with bridge, and I am getting better.” You may remember that Don handled the festivities celebrating the 100th anniversary of Penn-Cornell football. The first person Don met on campus was Bobbi Weisburger, “who introduced me to my Cornell wife.”

Elinor Rorlich Koeppel says that the first person she met on campus was a “junior guy who crashed the freshman meet-and-greet.” She continued dating him for a year.

Bill Doerler checked in to say, “On November 7, I was at Ann’s Choice in Warminster, PA, and had lunch with Fred Antil, Past Class President. We regaled each other with Cornell stories and discussed his avocation as A. Lincoln. He performs regularly as Abe for charity and history groups. In fact, he is head of the History Club at Ann’s Choice. Maybe we should ask him to do a show for us at the next reunion.” I agree … I’m sure most of us would really enjoy hearing Fred’s presentation.

And on a personal note: My granddaughter, Nina Brinker, of Portland, Maine, was just notified of her Early Decision acceptance to the Class of 2023, making her the fourth generation Cornellian in our family. She joins her mother, Joanna Morris Brinker ’86, plus her aunts, Sue Morris ’84 and Karen McQuiston ’90, as well as her proud grandmother, in celebrating this good news.

Speaking of news, please send some along! The column’s content depends on your input -- and your classmates are eager to hear from you. Thanks.

January 2019 – February 2019

Well, here I am, settled in Portland, Maine . . .and I like it very much! I moved here last spring, so I have yet to deal with the winter weather, but I live in a cozy 55+ community that suits me fine. Proximity to the water, a vibrant downtown, a gas fireplace, lobster, and leaving the snow shoveling to someone else were definite plus factors. My middle daughter, Joanna Morris Brinker ’86, who’s been a Mainer for 20+ years, lives just a few miles away with her two girls, so I was encouraged by her positive reports. I trust that global warming will reach us, but I’ll have to wait and see.

Now on to the mailbag. David Berler retired from medical practice and teaching in June of last year and is enjoying traveling, summers in Martha’s Vineyard, family, golf and tennis. Looking back, he remembers that the first person he met at Cornell was David Hyman. When asked “what would you do if you had a day in Ithaca now,” he said he’d like to “walk the campus with my freshman granddaughter,” who’s studying in the Arts school and loves it, according to her grandfather. Diane Rubinger Roland reports that “retirement is lovely and busy.” She’s working on the library committee at Vi in LaJolla, CA, playing bridge and going to the theater. A recent milestone was “celebrating my 85th birthday with all the family and some friends.”

Donald Huene is still working as an orthopedic surgeon, doing consultations, and also racing thoroughbreds. In fact, he explains, “a horse in which I have an interest won a Grade 1 $400,000 race!” Now widowed since his wife Annette Spittal ’56 died, Don keeps busy with 14 grandchildren. “I’m doing exactly what I want and being able to select the options that interest me most.” Joe Silverman has been doing forensic psychiatry for the past seven years. He and Patricia relocated and downsized a year ago and are now living in a senior retirement village. Speaking of early friendships, the first person Joe met at Cornell was Jules Weiss, whom he remembers fondly. Joe enjoys keeping up with Bob Tischler, Ginnie Robinson Pumphrey, Margy Doorty Kerr, Dick Frank, Clive Usiskin, and others. If Joe had a day in Ithaca, he’d visit his grandson, Will Silverman, whose parents were both Cornell ’86. Nancy Eisenberg Grabow has relocated to New Jersey, where she’d like to connect with Cornellians in the area. She met Fletcher Hock ’54 at a Christmas party last year, and also passed on the unexpected sad news of Axel Hochkoeppler’s death.

We received a gracious letter from undergrad Andrew Snyder who wrote, “I want to thank you all for the 50th Reunion scholarship from the Class of 1955. I am only the second person in my family to go to college, so it is appreciated. I decided to come to Cornell because of the many opportunities and unique experiences available here. I am interested in literature and English, and have been able to take many interesting courses, and I know a degree from here can go a long way. Someday I would like to work for the government or a news agency and make a difference in the world. Compared to the average Cornell student, my family is not that well off. This scholarship will help me pursue my academic interests and hopefully my long-term employment goals. Thank you again.” It’s so rewarding to know that we can help support these deserving young students.

Barbara Balsam Brown’s first acquaintance on campus was Helene Geller. She also remembers making the acquaintance of Len Brown (a meaningful meeting for sure!) and Lenny Zucker. Her ideal day in Ithaca would include seeing the changes on campus, and she’d particularly like to check out Risley. The first person I met freshman year was Vera Steiner Simon, who lived several doors down on my corridor in Dickson V. We immediately bonded on that first day, probably based on our love of Cornell songs and shared sense of humor. Vera had an interesting past, having been born In the Netherlands, and could speak fluent Dutch. When Germans marched through her home town during WW II, she remembered throwing stones at them. At Cornell, she played both field hockey and the ukulele. She and her future husband Joe became key figures in a fun-loving and trouble- making group on campus that included Ralph deStefano and Len Oniskey, among other questionable characters. Vera and Joe were proud that their daughter, Leslie Knibb ‘85, and three sons, Joe ‘80, Wally ‘83 and Ernie ’89 chose Cornell. Also following family tradition are their grandchildren Caroline ’14, Peter ’17, Taylor ’20 and Jack ’22. Happy New Year!

November 2018 – December 2018

Last May, Hal Fountain played host to a group of ’55 classmates and friends at a special luncheon held at the Beekman Arms Hotel in Rhinebeck. Joann and Dave Schmidt, in period costume, told the history of the hotel and led tours of the hotel and the nearby post office, which was designed by FDR and built using local stone. Also attending were Hal’s wife, Marge, Len Hladick ’56, Lloyd Quick and his wife, Joan (Beebe ’54), and Emil Rahary ’56. The luncheon concluded with the singing of Cornell songs, led by Dave Schmidt, our own Cayuga’s Waiter.

Singing is an important part of Lynn Cohen’s day, too. She sings with a community chorus and is also a member of two book groups. Lynn recalls bring influenced by history Professor Stern, and Vladimir Nabokov. Don Jacobs recalls that Dean Beck was “a wonderful mentor” to both him and his wife, Frances (Walden ’56) and says, “I’ve had a successful life due to my Cornell experience.” Don also notes that he’s become “a decent bridge player” and is on a county board for disabled people, to help them find jobs. Administrator Ted Baldwin was named by Bob Leader as the person who had the greatest impact on him, and Hal Sweeney recalls that Classics professor Harry Caplan was a positive influence all those years ago.

Ruth McDevitt Carrozza says she chose Cornell because it was the best agricultural school on the east coast to study landscape design, horticulture and floriculture. “With my BS degree, I was able to become a certified biology teacher 20 years later. I loved my time on the Hill!” Ruth’s favorite adventure was the Cornell alumni trip to the Tuscany area of Italy. Next on her list: Norway and Canada. And now, “retirement allows me to do what I want and go where I want. I love my coffee, the newspaper, and the birds at the feeder in lovely warm Florida.”

Gerry Curkendall and his wife, Ethel, flew to Anchorage, AK, in July 2013 to perform their granddaughter’s wedding ceremony. At home, they have four Kindles and two Ipads, which they use “almost all day, every day,” provided to them by their five children. And their “latest thrill” is the arrival of three great- grandchildren.

Herb Roleke had some interesting comments to share: “What I learned in the hotel school was AOK, but it didn’t tell you what your hotel employer would expect of you. Big companies, where you would climb the ladder in management, expected you to move around the country to different locations. Mary Ann and I married the month we graduated, and after two years in service had two children. We did not want to move with kids, so I became a builder and we settled on Long Island. The school should tell students what’s expected of them once they’re out in the real hotel world, so they can plan their lives accordingly!” Herb concludes, “My wife of 62-plus years gives me the most satisfaction in my life. She’s been the perfect wife, partner, lover. Amen!”

Here’s an update from Len Ladin: “I have just retired from my retirement activity of 20 years as president of the New York City chapter of the American Association of Individual Investors, a nationwide organization with the mission of educating investors in securities.” Len and his wife, Kay, will be moving to a retirement community in the east bay area of northern California, where “we expect to see more of friends and classmates like Dave Montague (Palo Alto) and Les Patrick (Sausalito).” He’d also like to hear from old friend Tom Steiner. While we’re focusing on California, here’s some news from Red Bluff, CA, Everett McDonough’s town. Everett is in his 15th year doing taxes through a free IRS/AARP program and is active in the local hospital, community concerts, and the library. He’s also a past president of the Rotary Club in Red Bluff. He reports he’s “trying to grow old gracefully and gratefully.” Nice to hear from you!

At last notice, Clive Usiskin was planning on attending the graduation of his grandson, Lee Usiskin ’18, last May. Lee is a 4th generation Cornellian, as is Clive’s other grandson, Benjamin Lee ’20. Marlene Medjuck Green writes that she’s keeping busy with the “usual retirement activities” – plus, plans are under way for a “Dream Vacation/Birthday” trip to Hawaii to celebrate her 85th birthday in December with her entire family (“there could be 30 of us!”). A trip to Pearl Harbor is definitely in the works.

Old friends are always part of our Cornell memories. Norm Nedde would like to hear from Bill Hillman, and Mable Lamb Haliburton remembers Jean Weissman Lesser, John Morris, Ron Nordheimer Ethel Rabb, Nanette Gravener and others.

For me, sophomore year wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun without my Comstock roommates Marianne Oehrlein van Dijk, Margaret De Forest Csenge, Sue Spooner Olsen, and Vera Steiner Simon. I’ll close with a couple of suggestions: please send in your class dues, if you haven’t already. Part of our dues will go toward defraying expenses of our 65th Reunion (coming up in June 2020!) and supporting our various class scholarships. And you can always reach me by email if you have news you’d like to share.

September 2018 - October 2018

Singing is an important part of Lynn Cohen’s day, too. She sings with a community chorus, and is also a member of two book groups. Lynn recalls bring influenced by history Professor Stern, and Vladimir Nabokov. Don Jacobs recalls that Dean Robert Beck ’42 was “a wonderful mentor” to both him and his wife, Frances (Walden ’56) and says, “I’ve had a successful life due to my Cornell experience.” Don also notes that he’s become “a decent bridge player” and is on a county board for disabled people, to help them find jobs. Administrator Ted Baldwin was named by Bob Leader as the person who had the greatest impact on him, and Hal Sweeney recalls that Classics professor Harry Caplan 1916 was a positive influence all those years ago.

While we’re focusing on California, here’s some news from Red Bluff, CA, Everett McDonough’s town. Everett is in his 15th year doing taxes through a free IRS/AARP program and is active in the local hospital, community concerts, and the library. He’s also a past president of the Rotary Club in Red Bluff. He reports he’s “trying to grow old gracefully and gratefully.” Nice to hear from you! At last notice, Clive Usiskin was planning on attending the graduation of his grandson, Lee Usiskin ’18, last May. Lee is a 4th generation Cornellian, as is Clive’s other grandson, Benjamin Lee ’20.

Marlene Medjuck Green writes that she’s keeping busy with the “usual retirement activities” – plus, plans are under way for a “Dream Vacation/Birthday” trip to Hawaii to celebrate her 85th birthday in December with her entire family (“there could be 30 of us!”). A trip to Pearl Harbor is definitely in the works.

July 2018 – August 2018

Lots of news from classmates! Thank you so much for keeping in touch. A quick message from Ken Hunt: “Dues sent. I'd love to get to the next reunion but Boise is a long way to travel by walker.” Granted, but we’ll miss you, Ken. Nancy Taft Whitman brought us up to date on news from Nebraska. “After over 45 years as a widow, I married again in 2016, to a retired philosophy professor who was also an amateur cellist. Unfortunately, he died seven months after we married, but we had been together several years. I inherited his springer spaniels, who are a lot of company. Otherwise, after traveling all over the world (about 90 different countries) since 1990, I decided it was time to give it up, due to lumbar arthritis. I found I couldn't quite do that, so I’m signed up for a Great Lakes cruise in August and a cruise around Newfoundland in October. Oh, well. But I will be confining my traveling to the US and Canada, and trips that don't involve changing hotels every other day!” Three of Nancy’s four sons and wives and their offspring live within flying distance, so while most of the college graduations will be over after this year, more weddings are in the offing. These days, Nancy’s teaching music classes at OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute).

Dick Schrader has been active with the OLLI program for the past 11 years, at the University of North Florida, but hasn’t traveled for the past eight years, “thus accumulating thousands of Delta air miles on my credit card.” But he’s kept in contact with Tad Cameron, Hans (Wolfi) Duerr and Nick Hathaway. He remembers his friendships with Linc Reavis and Sun colleagues Phil Merrill, Dick Schaap and Roger Severance.

Seymour “Sy” Musiker is another classmate enjoying OLLI, and spending his free time reading, exercising, going to doctors’ appointments, and “seeing friends old and new, including classmates Frank Tretter and Ron Ganeles.”

Bill Andrews reports, “During the summer of 1953, I married my high school sweetheart. She got a job as a secretary in the engineering school and I had three separate jobs, one of them driving around campus in an ancient 1937 car, servicing ice cream vending machines for the Dairy Science Club. We were actually banking money. Against all parental expectations, my marks improved dramatically. I still have the car and the girl!”

Don Jacobs says he’s “busier in retirement than I think I was at work.” He’s the moderator of the largest book club in Pennsylvania and works out every morning at 6:30. “Getting older isn’t easy but we have great workout facilities, so I’m in very good shape.” He and Frances (Walden ’56), who have been married for 62 years, travel every year. “I’m in touch with so many Cornell friends like Fred Antil, who lives near me, but too many of my good friends have died.”

Sam Kaplan would like to hear from George Ramsey Yoder (aka Yo), his ex-roommate. Charlotte Bialo Picot joined the Women’s Club in Forest Hills and has gone back to playing bridge “learning the new conventions,” and is playing tennis again at the West Side Tennis Club. She and Gerri Sobel Katz enjoyed the class reunion luncheon in Florida last summer. Ruth Lauterbach Hutter says she’s still busy as a volunteer docent at the Newark Museum. If you’re in the area, Ruth urges you to visit this worthwhile museum (“as good as or better than many NYC museums”).

Good news from Marcia Willemen Sutter: their youngest son, Neil, “was finally married at age 47 to a lady from Thailand, who is the legal guardian of her two nephews, and Neil expects to adopt them. They also just had a baby girl – and moved two blocks from us!”

Bob Leader says he’s working reduced hours and still representing clients in legal matters. “I have cut down on commuting to our Gouverneur, NY, office but “we use express mail, email, faxes and telephone to our advantage.” The Leader clan includes several lawyers, 17 grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. Unfortunately, Bob’s son William, a Clarkson graduate, died in 2011.

Gerald Curkendall volunteers for the local historical society, which operates two historic properties that provide social and cultural events for the community of Newark Valley. Gerry’s grandson Mark graduated from Cornell Law last spring. Don Crane’s volunteer work includes hospital auxiliary, church, veterans’ club and Rotary. Don wishes he could also be teaching. John Braun reports on a “fantastic hiking trip” with ElderHostel through Death Valley. “Learned some geology and saw the many colors of the valley and the mountains.”

After 17 years in Rhode Island, Ben and Ruth (Clarke) Hawkins moved to Brooksby Village, an Erickson continuing care facility in Peabody, MA, and says they’re “loving it!” Rudy, thank you for your kind note after Ed’s untimely death just before our 2015 reunion. At that time, I said, “No more reunions for me” … but as 2020 gets closer, I’m reconsidering. The yearning to “tread the Hill once more” is hard to resist!

May 2018 – June 2018

We appreciate Bill Doerler’s efforts to stay in touch with classmates — and to encourage them to stay in touch with each other! “I often see that classmates are reconnecting and writing about it,” Bill says. “I myself have a practice of calling my old friends at least monthly.” In order to spread the good word, Bill is initiating a “virtual reunion” program. So, if anyone would like to connect with a classmate, teammate, frat brother or sorority sister, just contact Bill at wdoerler1@aol.com. He uses several sources of information to locate these classmates and says, “I can generally find them!”

Hal Fountain sent Bill a message notifying him of the death of Roger Harrison, who lived in Lydonville. A friend had contacted Hal’s son to say, “Roger Harrison was your father’s college roommate at Cornell. He was a fellow agriculture teacher from Barker, NY, a mentor for me, and a tremendous individual who I called a friend. His positive influence will impact people for decades.”

Nice to hear from Marcia Willemen Sutter, who writes, “We went all over the world when my husband retired. The greatest trip was being able to live in New Zealand for a year when my husband got a fellowship to do research there. We were able to explore much of the South Pacific.” And now? “I’m not so mobile anymore but hope to try a cruise or two. We have a family house in the Adirondacks, so we enjoy our family get-togethers there with our four sons and their families.”

Barbara O’Connor Kenny says her plans for after graduation were to work as a bacteriologist in the chemotherapy department of Hoffman LaRoche. Part of her graduation experience, the same for most of us, included the fact that “it rained early and graduation was held in Barton Hall.” Not all was academically oriented, however. Bobbie remembers “sneaking pure alcohol out of the organic chemistry lab and making ‘alci-Cokes’ in the dorm.”

Before Emilyn Larkin Jakes retired, she was a high school librarian, “which required me to computerize several libraries from 1995 to 2011.” Samuel “Skip” Salus remembers his best trip: a safari trip to Tanzania and Kenya. As he plans his next venture, Prague, Budapest, Singapore and Bangkok are high on the list, “if age allows!” Skip says that what he enjoys most these days relates to “my caring and loving wife, and our joint venture in the twilight of life.”

The main reason Elizabeth (Libby) Milliken Klim chose Cornell was to attend “an Ivy League school with a B.F.A. degree in an architecture college, plus the opportunity to take teaching courses and cross register.” Libby and her husband, Bernard, live in Mattapoisett, MA, have been “happily married for 65 years,” and she’s teaching art at the local Council on Aging. They live in a modernized, winterized home – the same one that Libby spent her summers in, from age nine to college.

Malcolm Whyte was asked to what degree he’s entered the IT age -- and he replied, “Two years ago I succumbed and got a cell phone -- a flip phone!” (adding, “it still confounds me.”) Wow! What a pioneer! Mal and Karen live in Mill Valley, CA, and he has two books in the works. He’s also involved in fund raising and kibitzing for/with San Francisco’s Cartoon Art Museum and creating art exhibits with material from their collections.

Bob Leader’s response to the same IT question was “C+ at best.” So some of us (I include myself) are coming on board slowly. Bob remembered that Cornell invited several students from Albany High School to visit in their junior year. “We stayed in dorms, ate at our guides’ fraternity and sorority houses, and fell in love with the campus.” Nowadays, Bob enjoys getting the children and 17 grandchildren together (as many as can attend) on cruises, islands, to a summer home or Mexico.

Gerald Gordon muses on his reason for choosing Cornell. “I was born and raised in Ithaca, and Cornell was always a goal of mine. For ego reasons, I applied to a number of other universities and was accepted by all, but Cornell was always in my heart. I was exposed to worlds I knew little about and ended up as president of the Cornell Dramatic Club, as well as starring in front of the famous Cornell Big Red Band. When I’m not actively working in some phase of show business – acting, directing, producing – I have taught acting, and over the past 60 years have auditioned over 75,000 people for acting classes. No blood children, but these have been my children – and some have done extremely well, winning an Oscar, a number of Tony Awards, and loads of Emmys. As my longtime friend, Larry Phillips, reminds me, we’re still above ground and working. What a blessing that I’m able to continue working in the field that I’ve loved all my life.” Jerry is working on two film scripts that are getting good results. Keep us updated!

March 2018 – April - 2018

John Diggins wrote: “Seeing Sylvia Verin Mangalam’s brag about bike riding (Sept-Oct column) pushed me into my own fitness brag. I still ride my bike, sail my sunfish, kayak (with wife Pat '56) year-round, take no medicine, and donate blood on a regular basis. I started Cornell in the fall of '51 and chaired the Cornell blood drives for three years and never stopped. Life on Padre Island is wonderful!”

Former class president Fred Antil (Warminster, PA) writes, “My interest in Abraham Lincoln continues! 25 years ago, I was invited by a granddaughter to read to her class. I brought Lincoln books to read aloud. After a few such readings, I figured that since I was about Lincoln’s size, and about as handsome, why not dress up like him and try to make it more real. A costume shop provided the top hat, vest, long black coat, bow tie, and fake beard.

“I began to get invitations from adult audiences. I knew that while my makeshift costume and limited Lincoln knowledge might work with the children, both had to change dramatically if I were to serve adult audiences. I got an authentic period suit and hat. I also grow, and darken, my own beard when asked to perform. To finalize my transformation, I add a prominent mole (a pencil eraser) to my right cheek. Once an excited young girl looked up and asked, ‘Can I touch your mole?’ I replied, ‘You can do better than that; you can have it.’ I pulled it off and handed it to her. She was startled but took it. Later, when the class sent a thank you note she signed it, ‘Your friend, the mole girl.’

“I’ve accumulated an extensive Lincoln library. I also have visited every place that Lincoln lived or spent much time, and many Civil War battle sites. Traveling light, but never without my journal in which I take notes, I’ve visited his two homes in Kentucky, the farm in Indiana where he spent his teen years, New Salem, Illinois, where he spent his twenties, and Springfield, Ill., where he spent much of his adult life.

Visiting his home, his law office, the Legislative building in which he served, the Depot where he gave his farewell on his departure for DC, the family burial site, and, of course, the wonderful Lincoln Museum, make Springfield a Lincoln treasure trove. But no study of Lincoln would be complete without a visit to Washington, DC. The White House, the Soldiers’ Home where the family spent summers, the Ford Theater where he was shot, and the Peterson Boarding House where he died, are moving and memorable. Also unforgettable is the Lincoln Monument, a fitting tribute to an outstanding man.”

After her husband Ted died, Sigrid Olafson Farwell Romsos remarried. The most satisfaction in her life these days comes from her relationships with her husband Ron, children and grandchildren. “It’s fun to be a great- grandmother, too!” As for traveling, Sigrid enjoyed a Viking river trip on the Danube in 2016. Asked where she’d want to go next, she says she’d opt for another river trip! Don Robinson (Lansdale, PA) continues to focus on music (playing organ and piano, singing in church choir). Don also commented that Cornell definitely fulfilled his expectations (“My classes were not easy, but were a good preparation for my career in chemistry”).

On the other hand, Joe Berlinger said he had few expectations. He graduated as a 2nd lieutenant and was sent to Fort Drum in Watertown, NY (“one of the coldest places in the United States, where 40 below was common!”) But life looked up when he went on a blind date with a local school teacher. “We hit it off instantly, when all of a sudden I got orders to go to Bordeaux, France. My blind date and I decided to get married within a month of knowing each other. 62 years later, we’re still together. We have been on about 500 cruises, on practically every ship you can think of.”

For Adrian Phaneuf (Homosassa, FL), going to Cornell was his “long and only goal, that not only met, but exceeded” his expectations. “Discovering the maritime jewels of the British Isles and Ireland” was a highlight for Adrian, and next, he’d like to go to Spain and Portugal. Don Oglesby (Rogers, AR) wanted a “good liberal education” which, he notes, “comes in handy these days in helping me ward off the Trumpers.” Like Adrian, Don found that Cornell surpassed his expectations. He’s taken frequent trips to Paris, and as for where he wants to go next, Don says he’s “just glad to get up every morning. Besides, why leave Arkansas? It’s a fine place to live.” And a good place to be a Razorbacks fan!

A big thank you to those who return the News & Dues form, to keep us updated on your lives! If your news hasn’t appeared in the column yet, it will. Meanwhile, stay in touch with class current events and upcoming dates, such as our 65th Reunion in 2020. Class headquarters will be the Statler….. at last!

January 2018 – February 2018

Martin London sends congratulations to his former roommate, Marcus Reidenberg, whose news we brought you in the September/October issue. Marcus is now professor emeritus of pharmacology at Weill Cornell and serves on several other health-related panels and committees. Marty said, “Glad to see recognition of his accomplishments.” Marty goes on, “I write from Montauk, NY, where my principal occupation these days has been fishing for striped bass (whose principal occupation these days seems to be to frustrate my principal occupation). Sigh, I guess that's why they call it ‘fishing,’ not ‘catching.’ Much time being taken up by dealing with the mechanics of my recently published memoir, The Client Decides, in which I write about my representation of clients like Jackie Onassis, Vice Presidents Spiro Agnew and Hubert Humphrey, and my successful litigated opposition to the likes of Donald Trump and Roy Cohn. Available on Amazon, the preliminary reviews are excellent. Other than that, and winters in St. Barths, life is good. I’m in regular touch with several classmates, especially the old Sammy crowd. Can't help but wonder if the Big Red's football mania has been affected by the concussion scare. And I think back to my election not to go into advanced ROTC, which led eventually to my meeting Mario Puzo, who helped resolve a snafu in my subsequent military service. Ahh, the minor decisions we made on the Hill!”

Philip Harvey went to Ithaca last fall to participate in the funerals of two former wrestling teammates. He relates, “On Saturday, October 14, I gave a remembrance to my good friend and teammate Dr. Rexford Boda. A few of us spoke at his gravesite. A reception followed at the church where Rex had worshiped during his youth. From Rex’s service, I went directly to the Roman Catholic Church in Ithaca, where a memorial mass was held honoring my teammate Frank Bettucci. A very nice luncheon was held at the Statler on Cornell’s campus, where Orlando Turco (Frank’s best friend), David Auble and I offered remembrances. Frank had been a national champion and the Outstanding Wrestler at the 1953 Division 1 National Championships. He was also a member of our 1956 Olympic team.”

Andy Dadagian, the newest member of our Class Council, is certainly having a busy and active life. Here’s his report: “Having just celebrated my 86th birthday by cycling 27 miles and remaining the oldest active surgeon inn our three-hospital group, the only thing worth sharing with my classmates and track teammates is the embarrassing fact that thus far I have been a miserable failure in influencing my college-bound grandchildren to attend Cornell.” However disappointing that may be, I imagine it’s compensated by the facts that his oldest graduated from Stanford, his namesake Andy from Harvard, and a granddaughter from Bowdoin. Two others are still in college, and there are “six more grandchildren to go!” Andy sums up, “Life is good despite my grandchildren attending lesser institutions.” Good-natured humblebrag at its best!

November 2017 – December 2017

I can’t remember living in such hot weather when we were young! By the time you get this column it will be winter, but today (mid-August) it’s pretty oppressive. My daughter and I saw Al Gore’s sequel to “An Inconvenient Truth” last week, which would convince any deniers of climate change/global warming that “the times they are a-changing.”

Phyllis Birnholtz Melnick says, “I can navigate my iPad but haven’t felt the need for a smart phone, and I have no desire to participate in Facebook or Twitter.” She is glad “to wake up each morning and look forward to my day!”

Ken Sanderson expressed his appreciation for having chosen Cornell: “It was the best school in the country for my field of study, floriculture, and I found it had the most unforgettable professors – whose teaching I would draw upon throughout my career and life.” Ken and his wife raised their grandson, “and that was a challenge – but that’s what I want life to be: a challenge.” They volunteer at four or more theaters in Sarasota. “I regret not being talented enough to be on the stage, so volunteering has allowed me to reconnect with students.” Ken adds, “I’ve been a deputy sheriff at elections, a bartender, usher, and circus stage person to protect kids from a trained horse.” He ushered at Auburn University football games for 15 years. “That was a real challenge that I solved by assisting a policeman!” In terms of travel, “I recently cruised to Cuba and would do it again.” What gives him the most satisfaction now? “The wonder of the life that my wife and I have shared together. My wife has been my courage to do the things I’ve done.”

Art Murakami had a cousin and two uncles who graduated from Cornell, and his daughter Janice ’90 followed him to Ithaca. Art admits that information technology has passed him by (“I’m what people call a dinosaur!”). He gets great satisfaction these days from “being able to help my daughter and her family in whatever way I can.” As for future destinations, “I’m past my prime for vacation travel.”

Sandy Wiltse Leininger gets her kicks from “a really great bridge hand.” In terms of IT, “Even my great-grandchildren are ahead of me!” Sandy went to Sweden in the fall of 2016 and found the home of her ancestors for ten generations, still inhabited by relatives. She visited the graveyard where past members of her family are buried, and learned that her great-grandfather, who emigrated to the U.S. in 1886, had robbed the bank where he worked, and fled here.

Harvey Glass, who lives in Nesconset, returned his news form but without news. Maybe next time? Two classmates, Pat Van Mater Wheeler (Charlotte, VT) and Liz Rothermel Hopwood (Fort Lauderdale, FL) forwarded their new e-mail addresses to us. Most satisfaction these days for Paul Hyman is “physical exertion in my fitness center,” and his next destination: “any Cunard ship.” For Dave Montague, Alaska is where he wants to go next. He says he uses “all productivity tools, but no social media or games.” (Certain other people would be well advised to make that same choice!)

Phil Harvey informed us of the death of his Theta Xi fraternity brother Tom Zoidis, a prominent businessman in Philadelphia finance. Tom started in January 1952 but considered himself a member of our class. (The University regards alumni to be members of the class with which they entered Cornell, regardless of when they graduated.) Peter Hoss has been to “about 80 foreign countries on every continent,” and has no favorite. “I’m taking a break from travel and enjoying what is here at home (Salinas, CA).” He gives talks about Yosemite, where he was born, writes a column entitled “Scam of the Month,” and adds, “Other community activities and keeping in touch with old friends occupy my time.”

At our 20th reunion, the information packet contained a bookmark with highlights of the weekend. On the back of the bookmark was a poem by Greek poet Constantine Peter Cavafy (1911) entitled “Ithaka” that I have kept ever since. It foretold my return to return Cornell to live and work for several years in the late 1980’s. It references the Odyssey, and I cherished the message (shortened here). I hope it resonates with you too.

“As you set out for Ithaka hope your road is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery . . . May there be many summer mornings when, with what pleasure, what joy, you enter harbors you’re seeing for the first time. . .

Keep Ithaka always in your mind. Arriving there is what you’re destined for. . . But don’t hurry the journey at all. Better if it lasts for years, So you’re old by the time you reach the island, wealthy with all you’ve gained on the way, not expecting Ithaka to make you rich. . .

Ithaka gave you the marvelous journey. Without her you wouldn’t have set out. She has nothing left to give you now. . . And if you find her poor, Ithaka won’t have fooled you. Wise as you will have become, so full of experience, You’ll have understood by then what these Ithakas mean.”

September – October 2017 I know most of you have already learned of the death in May of Anne Morrissy Merick, described in the New York Times as “a pioneer from Yale to Vietnam.” Anne was the first woman to be named sports editor of the Cornell Daily Sun and the first woman admitted (in 1954) to the press box at the Yale Bowl. The syndicated columnist Red Smith wrote in the New York Herald Tribune, “Miss Morrissy is a slick little chick whose name will probably be linked in history with those of other crusading cupcakes . . . she has breached the last bastion of masculinity left standing this side of the shower room.” Can you imagine writers getting away with “slick little chick” and “crusading cupcakes” today? Not likely! After graduation, Anne became sports editor of the Paris edition of the Tribune. Hired by ABC as a producer in 1961, she covered the civil rights movement, presidential primaries, and space flights, and was posted to Vietnam in the 60s, where she remained until 1973. Edward Krawitt reflected on his friendship with Anne. “She was a colleague of mine (as was Dick Schaap) at the Sun. As one of the men whom she defeated for the position of sports editor, I feel that I contributed to the history/advancement of women as an unintended consequence of my failure.” Ed has continued to be active in medical education of autoimmune liver diseases, both nationally and internationally, as a Professor Emeritus at the University of Vermont and a Clinical Professor at Dartmouth. Tara Prince Goldman commented, “My father graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, and since Penn was our big Thanksgiving rival, I wanted to go to Cornell and show him up. Oh, what we young children will do!” She confesses that she can’t remember if we won or lost the games during that time, “but I certainly loved those four years at Cornell.”

Sylvia Verin Mangalam says she chose Cornell because it was a good, big university, offering classes in many varied schools. Those were “golden years,” Sylvia adds. In terms of travel, she’s going to Toronto for a niece’s wedding -- but other than that, “I do not want to visit the States just now. Or Pakistan.” She gets a great deal of satisfaction “when something I have worked hard at” takes off. For example, food issues, environmental concerns, and viable transport. “I’m 83 and I still bike.”

Like so many of us, Rishon Stember says his children are “way ahead” in the IT age, but even with being busy as physicians and with multiple children, “they kindly squeeze out some IT teaching.” Harking back to an earlier time, Rish recalls that in his public high school, he was told that we could apply to three schools: a safety, a level and a reach. “I wanted to aim as high as I could go, and Cornell’s liberal arts school fit my ‘reach’ goal (besides, Harvard and Yale were then all male).” After retiring from his allergy practice, Rish found happiness in retirement for two years, but then says he got restless and started a very fulfilling half-time practice in psychiatry.

Eva Konig Ray writes, “I’m enjoying my retirement after a busy, interesting career in science -- and doing what I love but never had time to do before. Among my too-many activities, I am a Democratic Committee Person and on the executive board of Montgomery County in PA (elected offices). I help the elderly in our area by serving on the Board of ElderNet and I drive elderly and disabled people to appointments. I am also on the Steering Committee of the League of Women Voters. Traveling is my passion. Last year I was in Africa and the National Parks in the Southwest. They were great trips, and I want to travel more while I can. My biggest joy is my family (four kids, spouses, and 6 grandchildren). In the winter I ski and in the summer I bike. I have never enjoyed life more. Please, anyone in my area, come visit. I have plenty of room!”

Roger Burggraf lives in Alaska and says he’s involved in many organizations that are pro-development, such as the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce. Roger finds himself “fighting bureaucrats who have no idea what they’re regulating and are trying to shut down businesses that generate revenues and put people to work.” He adds, “The federal government has not lived up to the promises it made to Alaska and its people at statehood.”

In closing, it is my unfortunate duty to occasionally report sad news. Irving (Bin) Pettit has informed us that Jeff Rose, the son of Bud Rose and the late Lee Aimone, has passed away. Jeff was the brother of Nancy, Jenny, Susie, Jill and JC, and the stepson of Judy. Jeff’s wife, Jeannie, and their children, Johnny and Emily, of Greenwich, CT, survive. A memorial service was held in Greenwich on April 13. Bud and Judy's mailing address is Post Office Box 530, Rumson, NJ 07760.

July 2017 – August 2017

Lots of good news arrived in time for inclusion in this column, and I thank you! First, Bill Doerler put together a Class of ’55 luncheon this past February at the Banana Boat in Boynton Beach, FL. Those in attendance were Ron Ganeles, Ted Hymowitz, Gerri Sobel Katz, Leslie Plump and his wife, plus Carol Penn Lewis, Charlotte Bialo Picot, Fran Goldberger Rubenstein, and Joe Berlinger and his wife.

Joe wrote that they have been on “about 500 cruises,” and have seen many spectacular places, from the Great Wall to the Arctic Circle, “and of course, the United States, especially the magnificent West.” Joe is also a long-time fan of information technology. “I had a computer early on: first a Commodore and then an Amiga. What a wonderful source of knowledge; I bet I Google something 20 times a day!” But his phone is “still a dumb phone, and I feel no compunction to have my attention glued to a smart phone every working hour, as my children and grandchildren do.” This luncheon was Joe’s first Cornell activity since leaving campus, and he announced that he had just sent in his class dues. Thanks to Bill Doerler’s organization, “Everyone is already looking forward to next year’s event!” Sounds like the start of a great ’55 tradition.

Gordon White (on how he chose Cornell over Harvard, where several generations of his family had gone): “My father, an engineer, had gone to Cornell and he persuaded me that an engineer could always find a job – whereas I had wanted to be a writer and a newspaper reporter since I was seven. Serendipitously, the Cornell Daily Sun existed and was a great education in itself, and I changed from the Engineering School to Arts and Sciences. While Cornell did not make me an engineer, the Sun helped me on my way to a career as a Washington correspondent and a very satisfying life.”

Joel Mallin was persuaded in his choice of college because “Cornell gave me a full tuition scholarship.” These days, Joel is working with museums and on their own art collection (with wife Sherry Vogel Mallin). He’s chairman of the finance committee of the Johnson Museum and was recently elected a trustee of the Brooklyn Museum of Art. Many classmates will remember how much we enjoyed visiting the Mallins at their home and viewing their amazing collection. George Shear explained, “My college experience may have been a bit out of the ordinary. Enrolled in the College of Architecture, I married my high school sweetheart my freshman year. While I attended classes, Diana waitressed at the Normandie, the restaurant downtown where you’d take your parents, then at Leonardo’s, a bar near the campus where you wouldn’t take your parents. Our boys, two and four, attended my graduation and there followed three years in the Navy. Once discharged, I worked in Berkeley, CA, New Canaan, CT and Washington D.C. Finally, after twenty years in New York City where Diana, by then a talented interior designer, and I worked together, we retired to a loft in a former manufacturing building in Troy, New York.”

Karl Wendt said, “Cornell had an excellent School of Architecture on a beautiful campus.” And did Cornell fulfill his expectations? “Definitely! It gave me my life!” Donna Jean Avery Darling commented, “I came from a small town and wanted a university experience with small college facilities and atmosphere, and the College of Home Economics did that very nicely.” Donna mentioned one highlight of her travels, a freighter ship trip through the Mediterranean in the 1970’s “because the passengers and crew interacted, which added another level to the educational aspect of the experience.” Afterwards, “because it was such fun!” the Darlings booked another trip along the coast of South America.

Rob Stotz’s early career was mostly spent doing computer research at MIT and USC. Nowadays his grandchildren “blow right by me on computer games, but I can still hold my own with them in ping pong and pool!” Andy Dadagian chose Cornell for its outstanding education and great track team reputation, and regarded his time on the Hill as “the best four years of my life.”

Donald Demske wanted “the best Ag school in the USA” (which made Cornell the hands-down choice) and now his goal is to see the Big Red have an unbeaten football season. Dick McKillip lives in Madison, CT but spends winters in Naples, FL. He confesses to entering the new age of information technology “minimally and reluctantly,” but is happy to report he’s enjoying 18 years (so far) in retirement with good health. John Parker, aka Josh, lives in La Quinta, CA and enclosed a brief update: “sold business and retired.”

I’m sorry to have to report two deaths. Bob Malatesta, a prominent gynecologist and obstetrician, died in February 2017. Bob served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. When he returned, he gave up private practice to initiate and direct Muhlenberg’s residency program in OB/GYN and was Chief of OB/GYN at Muhlenberg from 1973-1990. Dolores, the wife of Norm Nedde, died in December 2015. Their 58-year marriage was “the best thing ever in my life,” said Norm. Our condolences to their families and friends.

May 2017 - June 2017

My grateful thanks to those who keep us informed; without your input, there’s no column!

We had a note from Dan Sachs with the following update: “In May 2015, we moved to Riderwood, an Erickson retirement community outside of Washington, DC. It's the largest continuing care retirement community in America, and, in our judgment, we made the right move. I am again teaching at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, affiliated with The American University. The course is entitled Fairy Tales--Not for Kids Only. I've come a long way from my Industrial and Labor Relations training at Cornell, and my career as a lawyer . . . but isn't that what retirement is for?” Dan adds his best wishes to classmates for a healthy and tranquil new year.

Ruth McDevitt Carrozza enthusiastically endorses Life’s-a-Trip bus tours out of Orlando. She enjoys the “40-passenger coach with kitchen in the rear, leather reclining seats, WIFI and TV.” Ruth started traveling with the group ten years ago and usually does three trips a year. “All the fun and none of the work!”

Joan Fellerman Hartz, when asked why Cornell? explained that she’d “previously attended — and loathed — an all-girls high school.” She felt “the size of the libraries at Cornell reflected its many options, opening the world to me intellectually and socially.” Reflecting on her travels, Joan said that the most spectacular destination was “Egypt, without a doubt. I found my niche as a travel agent and I continue to explore and revisit.”

Pete Romeo says he’s happy with life these days. His wife, Terry, has taught elementary school kids, focusing on mentally disadvantaged children, but Pete admits that her “most challenged ward” in terms of today’s learning is Pete himself. He enjoys “exchanging barbs with my wife of 60 years, trying to convince her to cook fish more often, continually praising her homemade pasta sauce, and begging forgiveness for my too-frequent coarse lingo.” Pete meets fellow retirees from “the firm” and high school classmates, some of whom he’s known since first grade, for monthly luncheons, and also tends to his coin collection. “My sons introduced me to numismatics at the time of my retirement; it’s a hobby geared to be passed on to my children and never to be sold.” He adds, “pray that my pacemaker keeps pace for not less than 4 1/2 more years.” We’ll look forward to seeing you in 2020, Pete!

Word reached us from Cornell Adult University that several classmates attended CAU recently, either on campus or on site: Elinor Rohrlich Koeppel, Pete Eschweiler, Jane Binder Binkoff, Leonard Bebchick, Bob Cowie, Ronald Ganeles, Bill Haponski and Florence Sandler. Class topics and locations ran the gamut from the Arctic to Mohonk Mountain House, and even “Inside the Smithsonian” (with talks by ex-president David Skorton).

Dave Levin says, “We must be neighbors.” He lives in Bryn Mawr, not far from where I’m settled, in Kennett Square. Here’s Dave’s news: “I’m probably one of the few people in the class still working pretty much full time. My wife, Carol, and our three kids (now grown) and I moved to the Philadelphia area in 1986 when I became Chairman of the Department of Radiology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. I held that post for 16 years and then semi- retired. I have subsequently remained in my old department doing economic research in radiology, teaching, some cardiac imaging, some consulting for several companies, and lots of publishing and speaking. It keeps me busy just about 5 days per week, but since all this stuff is more of a hobby, I’m happy doing it.

One of my most momentous memories of Cornell was of freshman registration day, when I had to sign up for ROTC. My choice was Army or Air Force. I noticed the Air Force line was shorter—so that’s the one I chose. That chance decision led to me eventually becoming a fighter pilot in the USAF, where I flew F-86 Sabrejets with 2 different fighter-interceptor squadrons in Europe during the height of the Cold War. It was probably the most fun I ever had. Being a fighter pilot left me with a lifetime of memories: some funny, some scary, but all of them exciting. I later decided to go to med school, and that too was a good decision.” So rewarding to look back at the personal and professional choices you’ve made, and know they were the right ones.

Judith Silverman Duke writes, “After more than 30 years editing (and for the last ten years, publishing) Advanced Technology Libraries (previously owned by Elliot Minsker) I’ve ended its publication and am currently deciding what to do next.” Let us know, so we can keep your Cornell friends in the loop! Danny Krouner stated that Cornell fulfilled his expectations. “Especially being on the basketball varsity and becoming president of my fraternity, I met the finest people.” After 35 years in the hospitality field, he’s now working as a tax specialist for New York State, so he had to join the computer age — and fast — at 58. Danny put four kids through Ivy League schools and one through med school — “that’s why I’m still working at 82 years old!”

Remember to keep checking our class website (classof55.alumni.cornell.edu) for current news about the class and upcoming events — one you can mark in your datebook now is June 4-7, 2020!

March 2017 – April 2017

Tad Cameron writes that he’s resided in Hollywood, FL for the past eight years, but has maintained a home at Elk Lake, PA. “When I retired from the active practice of law, I returned to Elk Lake to die, but the neighbors wouldn’t let me.” For 35 years, he was an insurance defense attorney known as a blame fixer (“fix the blame on someone else”) but his main job was to fix the problem, and he made a career out of it. “Lots of laffs, travel, adventure and excitement.” Tad was TDY’d to Columbia Law School, a cachet which didn’t hurt his career in the law, he says. In the course of his work, Tad conferred with Sen. Edward Kennedy and repped “people named Gotti and Gato and some IRA ex-patriots.” His contact with Teddy Kennedy was over “the medical benefits thing called COBRA. I had lit the fuse for this type of coverage in New York and he wanted to chat with me about it.” At Cornell, Tad got on the soccer pitch for five seasons, but was “a minor player, never a big wheel at anything.” If you say so – but it sounds like it’s been a very interesting life!

From Suzanne Liebrecht Joyce: “I spent over a week in NYC enjoying five wonderful days with Judy Ettl Hazen in Brooklyn Heights, followed by a day with Ruth (Rudy) Clark Hawkins. It is possible to do theatre, opera, ballet, many museums, the Cornell Club and the High Line, plus miles of walking, when the weather is perfect -- which it was!” We’ve received news about two ’55 classmates, Judith Sheffield Chernaik and the late Kristine Krol Keese. Judy, a New Yorker by birth and Londoner by adoption, founded Poems on the Underground with two poet friends 30 years ago. She has written four novels and a study of Shelley's poetry, and is currently working on the life and works of the composer Robert Schumann. Kristine’s harrowing memoir of being incarcerated as an 8-year-old in the Warsaw Ghetto, SHADOWS OF SURVIVAL: A Child's Memoir of the Warsaw Ghetto, is available from Amazon and in the Cornell Campus Store. It gives a vivid first-hand account of the experience and the times. Donald Robinson has been a musician (organist, pianist, choir member) at their church and retirement community for many years. He remembers renting a single room off-campus from a Mrs. Bostwick in our junior and senior years “and I walked to campus every day across Cascadilla Gorge.” Don retired as a research chemist in 1996.

Peter Hoss decided on Cornell “to experience the eastern U.S. after attending Stanford in my hometown of Palo Alto.” Nowadays Peter gives talks about Yosemite; his book, “Born in Yosemite”, has sold 1800 copies. David West is an author, too. His second book on Fritz Muller, a German naturalist and scientist who emigrated to Brazil and lived there as a pioneer farmer, is titled “Darwin’s Man in Brazil.” Halifax resident Sylvia Verin Mangalam is keeping busy with being outdoors, family, plants, Quaker meeting, Ecology Action Center and Food Action Committee.

Sandra Chachkes Temkin appreciates the blessings in her life: “good health, a wonderful marriage of 62 years, children and grandchildren, all independent and thriving.” Paul Hyman states that his best trip was in the Army, Seventh Infantry Division, Korea. We send sympathy to Charlotte Bialo Picot, whose husband, Pierre, died in 2015. Like Paul, he also served in the Army during the Korean War. Charlotte recalls “the best family trip was an ocean voyage aboard the S.S. France to return to and show our children the countries where we each were born: France and Belgium.” In March 2014,

Malcolm Whyte’s latest book was published. It’s “Cottage Classics,” about making books with illustrators such as Edward Gorey, S. Clay Wilson and Maxon Crumb, and is available on Amazon. When Mal wrote, the family was planning a “once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa with the whole family – 15 of us.” He adds that this will be “the last long, air-travel-wearying trip for us.”

Last October, two of my three Cornellian daughters (Sue ’84 and Joanna ’86) and I took a road trip to Ithaca. Not to attend Reunion or see a football game, they stipulated, but just to roam the campus and relive our own college memories. Sue and I drove from Philadelphia, and Joanna flew in from Portland, ME. It was a huge success; even the weather cooperated! Through airbnb we found a nice house on Oak Avenue, which was convenient for breakfast at Collegetown Bagels and lunch at Rulloff’s window table. With just two days to cover a lot of territory, we walked the Arts and Ag quads, stopping at the Straight, several classroom buildings, the Campus Store, the Johnson Museum, Sage Chapel and the Hot Truck. The girls found their old rooms at their sorority and their freshman dorms. We walked around Beebe Lake and reached Olin Library just in time to see the band setting off on their march to Schoellkopf to support the team at the Princeton football game. When the chimes rang out at noon, we knew we were home again.

January 2017 – February 2017 Thank you for your recent emails! Nancy Taft Whitman writes that she was married last July to Richard Wolters, professor emeritus of philosophy at Doane University in Crete, Nebraska. Richard is an amateur cellist, and Nancy taught music at the University of Nebraska. Her kids and grandkids were on hand to wish them well at Nancy’s triennial family reunion in Portland, OR. Both Nancy and Richard have lived in Lincoln, NE for many years, and that’s where they’ll be residing in their beautiful new home. All best wishes to you both!

Doris Wunsch Neilson is well traveled; she’s visited 160 countries, some (Indonesia, India and Africa) multiple times, and she wrote she was “leaving for Angola tomorrow.” Bob Mules, of Staunton, VA, recalled the winter of freshman year. He cherished the navy pea-jacket that Bob Wentz, a friend and WWII Navy veteran, gave him, when he left the dairy barn for vet school. “Its wool fabric kept me warm many a morning while I was mucking out the barn.” Why Cornell? “In 1951, Cornell’s Ag College was tuition-free. I was a nearly-broke small-town dairy farmer, so it was a no-brainer if I wanted an advanced education – which I did!” Bob’s favorite class was Ag Economics with Prof. Stan Warren. When Bob sent in his news form, his wife, Margaret, was ill. “I just pray for her to get better,” he said, and we join you in wishing her well. Steven Weinstein found Cornell “prettier than RPI,” a valid reason to come.

Peter Romeo listed several important reasons why he chose Cornell: “proximity to home (no wheels), scenic Greyhound bus route, Cornell’s excellent reputation, melting pot of classmates from U.S., Costa Rica, Venezuela, Colombia, Japan and Taiwan.” Pete also praised “an outstanding faculty and visiting critics who encouraged their charges to dream, do and deliver.” He added, “Attending our 60th reunion was a blast from the past, especially hooking up with architecture classmates (eight of the starting 26 freshmen) and spending quality time with Sigma Pi fraternity brothers and ROTC officers-in-training. Everlasting kudos to the reunion committee and the memories they catalyzed, never to be forgotten.”

Good to hear from Jim Van Buren. Choosing Cornell was easy, he recalled, for two reasons: “education and athletics.” Nowadays he’s “enjoying retirement with my wife, Mary (Martin ’56)” to whom he’s been married for 59 years. As for the challenges of the I.T. age, Jim says he’s “about the level of pre-K!” Alan MacDonald credits his interest in the hospitality industry and the encouragement of the staff at the Drake Hotel in Chicago with his decision to go to Cornell. And what gives him the most satisfaction these days? “An 85 or better on the golf course!”

Considering the same question, Bill Forbes points to “nine kids, 13 grandkids and four great-grandchildren.” Free tuition was what steered Dan Sacks to the ILR school, and Seymour Musiker called the New York State scholarship a deciding factor. Sy has enjoyed river cruises in Europe, and would like to take a U.S. river cruise next.

Mable Lamb Haliburton cited the Home Ec school’s free tuition and the fact that Ithaca was “near home and it had what I wanted to study.” Did Cornell fulfill her expectations? “I loved it!” Barbara Balsam Brown was a systems engineer and retired from Telcordia in 2000. She has taken her older daughters to national parks, and the youngest to Paris with her parents. Barbara named Professor Singer as the Cornell person having the most impact on her.

Robert Stairs celebrated his 91st birthday and is long retired, but a new edition of his book, Solvent Effects in Chemistry, has been published. Not unexpectedly, he named Professor Michell “Mike” Sienko as the person who had the most influence on him. Liza Mark is an old Cornell friend he’d like to hear from. Tara Prince Goldman would like to be in touch with Elaine Travis Diamond.

Margaret “Peggy” Blackburn Robinson said that her husband, Dwight ’53, retired recently -- “and now we have time together,” (followed by a little smiley face!). Peggy said her “best trip” was to Italy and the “most spectacular destination” was northern Japan. Next is the U.S. National Parks. Sue Spooner Olsen described “a wonderful trip last summer attending the 125th anniversary celebration of the British Pteridological (fern) Society,” plus garden visits in Ireland and Scotland. Sue also had the honor of cutting the ribbon for the official opening of a fern garden at Sizergh Castle.

In September, our class co-presidents, Mike Avery and Philip Harvey, hosted an executive committee meeting in Philadelphia. Members in attendance were Bill Doerler, Eva Konig Ray, Carol Rittershausen Byron and Nancy Savage Petrie. We discussed regional events, keeping in touch with classmates, and Reunion 2020. Our class finances are in “excellent shape,” which was good to hear.

Remember to visit our website regularly (classof55.alumni.cornell.edu) to find the most up-to-date class news. Listed under Community, you’ll see excerpts from “The Co-ed’s Creed,” a booklet given to all incoming freshman women to guide us on proper clothing, study habits, dining room etiquette, and how to behave at parties. It’s must reading! November 2016 - December 2016 Skip Salus says he was “a teenage iconoclast” in that both his parents went to Penn. Did Cornell fulfill his expectations? “Yes, and beyond.” He cherishes the memory of his “fortunate upbringing” in Philadelphia, European sojourns, the Henley Regatta, and meeting Mr. and Mrs. Chafetz, “social hosts to the D.C. elite,” as well as Myrna Loy. Quite an eclectic group! Janet Senderowitz Leonard says she’ll never forget “the cold November afternoon in 1953 when Ralph Vaughan Williams came to tea! One of the women living in the Circle Cottages had met him out walking, and on the spur of the moment, invited him in.

Mary Jane Kent MacGregor has enjoyed two great Elderhostel trips, both art-oriented: one in Italy (“Florence and the Treasures of Northern Tuscany”) and the other in France (“Paris and Rouen”). Mary Jane was planning for a trip to Hawaii in the fall of this year with Leda Leveille Fide and Charlene Vickery Campisi at last report. Suzanne Liebrecht Joyce is another classmate who says, “I loved my time at Cornell.” Recent travel for Sue was to Cuba, the Czech Republic and Hungary. She particularly enjoyed visiting their daughter, who worked in China in 1982 (“Mao jackets, bikes, and beautiful people.”)

Earle Peterson, looking back to college days, remembered “how easy it was compared with working on the farm!” He also appreciated “being able to socialize with such a bright and diverse group of students.” Great to hear from Jim and Sally Zautner Vance, who report, “There’s not enough hours in the day!” Their best trip was in 1984, when they traveled from NYC to Helsinki, Russia, China, San Francisco, and home to Rhode Island. Next on their agenda, Alaska and Norway, plus a return to their favorite destination, Germany and Switzerland.

Neal Jordan’s main reason for attending Cornell were the scholarships: New York State, Cornell, and Burrell, which covered his tuition and fees. In 2014, Neal and Vaida boarded a cruise ship in Vancouver and got off in Buenos Aires, having rounded the Cape and visited the Falkland Islands to walk among the penguins. Sounds terrific. Dave Hyman states, “My four years on the Hill were an unforgettable experience; my mind was opened by Nabokov, Rossiter, Cushman and others. Years later, when I came back for Homecoming, I stepped onto the Arts Quad and I was struck with the strongest emotion I have ever felt.” I’m sure many of us could relate. Those four years had been so transformative, so new and thrilling, that to suddenly find yourself back on campus was an incredible feeling. Dave also asks me to “tell the Alumni News to run more sports stories.” Consider it done.

And how did Eleanor Greig Downing choose Cornell? “My mom said you are going there!” and Ellie wanted the home economics program. Priscilla Rice Oehl and Dan have done eight bicycle trips with Vermont Bike Tours, and feel “grateful for our good health and ability to still bike.” Patricia McCormick Hoehing appreciates “independence in all areas, being physically mobile and mentally alert.” Ever since her freshman year in high school, Ruth McDevitt Carrozza wanted to attend Cornell (“at the time, the best landscaping department on the east coast”). Ruth’s favorite trips, among many, have been with a Cornell group: touring the Tuscany area of Italy, and sailing the British Virgin Islands. Next up: the eastern section of Canada and the islands off the coast of Maine.

Winthrop “Buck” Cody says he chose Cornell for its excellence, but has since been disappointed in Cornell leadership, particularly professors, for being “heavily biased in support of liberal philosophy, both fiscally and socially.” He believes the conservative viewpoint has been excluded, and that “all first class learning institutions have the responsibility to teach both sides.” Cody wonders what others from our class feel about this and concludes, “Until I am fully convinced that a student at Cornell is taught all points of view, I cannot support the university, either financially or otherwise.” Any response from readers?

Sue Spooner Olsen reported that she and her “special friend, Loyd” continue to enjoy their senior years together, and spent a month touring the Black Forest, the Tyrol and Switzerland. Sue is pleased that her second book, The Plant Lover’s Guide to Ferns, has had good reviews .

September 2016 - October 2016 We’ll kick off the column today with recently-arrived emails — and I do thank you for these! Congratulations to Marcus Reidenberg, who was recently named Professor Emeritus of Pharmacology at Weill Cornell Medicine. Marcus was also reappointed to serve another three-year term on the World Health Organization Expert Advisory Panel on Drug Evaluation, and is on the USP Healthcare Quality Expert Committee that sets standards for Medicare Part D drug benefits. And during the month of December 2015, Marcus’ flower portraits were shown at the Scarsdale library.

From Israel, Irene Adler Hirsch writes that she’s retired, but adds that she sometimes teaches French or English at home, and is a board member at the local hospital and local synagogue. Renie acts in a local drama group and does medical clowning at the hospital, where she also organizes musical evenings. A decade ago, Renie formed the Israel Cornell Club, and has welcomed a co-chair to join her. She stays in touch with many friends, hopes to hear from others, and mourns the loss of Hilda Bressler Minkoff, Connie Salm Conlon, Hannah Ullman Dushay, Paul Baris, and her first roommate, Norma Bosworth.

Steve Clingan is still working at his company with three of his sons, and says, “Buying back my company at age 62 and starting all over keeps me young.” The best concert he remembers from Cornell days was Dave Brubeck (“Everyone was overwhelmed!”). Two old friends Steve would like to hear from are Art Jenkins and Bill Marsh. Steve reports that he made it to our 60th reunion - his very first - and has nothing but praise for the experience: “I had a ball! I only knew one person and no one remembered me. It was so well done, and the staff was super. The programs were excellent and our class volunteers did a great job.” Glad you finally made it back, Steve!

What a nice comment from Don Jacobs, when asked about the best concert he’d attended: “Oh my! I attended many concerts with my wife (then girlfriend) but I don’t remember which one, as long as I was with her.” Awwww! As soon as they graduated, Don and Frances were married. Nowadays, they’re “still traveling to nice places on Viking River Cruises, because we’re getting old.” Don regrets having lost contact with Fred Frank and Neil Poley, but says he still meets often with Cornell friends. “I loved Cornell and always worked with Cornell people during my career.” John Wertis is “keeping active on our 90-acre farm.” He’s president of the New York Nut Growers Association, sits on the Town of Ulysses Planning Board and also the Ag Advisory Board. John feels that one of the best decisions he ever made was “buying farm land and settling in the Ithaca area after graduating from Cornell.” This has made it possible for him to keep up on happenings on campus, such as a Joni Mitchell concert which took place after we graduated, but which John remembers as the best concert he ever attended. John would like to hear from”anyone from the old Kline Road dorms, particularly Andy Phaneuf.”

We received a nice note from Carol (“Ritt”) Rittershausen Byron. Ritt and her daughters have established a wonderful family tradition: each year, one of the girls takes Ritt on a trip out of the country on her birthday. She particularly enjoyed “a week on a Tradewinds catamaran, scuba diving and snorkeling while hanging out on tiny atolls off Belize and close to Honduras.” When she wrote, Ritt had just returned from a “fabulous Byron reunion which included all of my immediate family and former hubby, Stan (Skip) Byron ’54. What fun we all had (sailing, whale watching, etc.)”

Daniel Krouner explained the main reason he chose to attend Cornell: “Growing up in the resort business, I wanted the best hotel and restaurant school in the world.” And did Cornell fulfill his expectations? “Yes, and more,” Dan said. “Especially playing on the basketball varsity and becoming president of my fraternity. I met the finest people in the world — and of course, the hotellies were the best!” Jerry Klein’s wife, Nancy, wrote that Jerry retired in April, after 55 years in the insurance business with Northwestern Mutual. The Kleins moved recently to independent living in Cincinnati.

Liz Rothermel Hopwood noted that she was diagnosed with dyslexia in her 40s, which would explain why college classes were a struggle for her. “Cornell would have been a very different experience if only I had known.” But now, Liz says, “I love learning!” She’s a docent at a local art museum and finds that “it’s great fun, and our museum is going places!” Phil Alkon, considering the question of whether Cornell fulfilled his expectations, replied, “More than is possible to put into words…a watershed experience of my life.” And what gives him the most satisfaction in his life now? “Having a wonderful family, being able to contribute to our local Jewish community, still being active and relishing the natural world, and being at peace with who I am and my views and values. At least that’s what I’m able to remember at the moment!”

July 2016 – August 2016

Even though some News and Dues forms reached us in 2015, good news is timeless when it comes to the 1955 column! So here we go. Sigrid Olafson Farwell lived north of campus during our undergrad years. Her father, Peter Olafson DVM, taught at Cornell. At last report, Sigrid had been planning to attend our 60th reunion and so was Irv (Bin) Pettit, her co-star in the musical Bloomer Girl in 1953. Both were widowed after long and happy marriages, and were hoping to refresh their friendship from years ago. Beth Barstow Calhoon’s memories included “sailing on Cayuga at night and being becalmed after the dorm closed” (a transgression that probably involved quite a few “minutes”!). Beth lives in Lakeville, MN, with her “diva dog Chloe,” and she wants to continue participating in the volunteer opportunities available through her faith community, local schools, and politics. The temps in Minnesota are “wicked cold,” she adds.

Hotelie Dick Triebel weighed in recently with his response to our query, “What gives you the most satisfaction in your life these days?” He finds that “a double martini with three olives lessens my joint pains for a couple of hours!” Like Dick, Rich Perry cites the Hotel School as the reason he chose Cornell. Rich is familiar with Apple products, but his grandchildren are “definitely ahead of me as far as technology goes, although slightly behind me in current events.” Some of Rich’s children are close to 60. “The 60-year period went so fast, it’s very hard to put it all into perspective.”

Bob Leader says he’s entered the new age of technology information “slowly, dragging my feet” but acknowledges it’s good for law work. Speaking of I.T., Art Murakami admits that his daughter and grandchildren have “left me in the dust.” In terms of travel, Art and his wife had many enjoyable trips back toIthaca for reunions. “Trips back to Hawaii were usually cross-country jaunts via automobile, and we saw most of the great U.S.A.”

Paul Hyman is “at home with iPad, iPhone and desktop PC: “connected to WiFi 24 hours a day.” Allan Ripans says he chose the Hotel School because of its excellent reputation throughout the world, and says he’s “distressed that there is a plan that will erase that image — by merging the Hotel School into a new entity that does not use the word hotel in its name. It’s like taking gold and classifying it as metal.” Bill Boyle came to Cornell with “a naive desire to be a veterinarian.” When he shifted his focus to agricultural economics followed by an MBA, he found himself “well prepared for a career in food processing and life in general.”

Mike Mage says he’s rewarded by “seeing young people trying to change things for the better; e.g., Black Lives Matter, Sanders campaign, pushing Cornell to disinvest in fossil fuels.” Joan Groskin Promin retired as Senior Clinical Medical Research Associate for Tequesta Research, giving her more time to draw and paint. She serves on the University of Florida’s Advisory Board for the Performing Arts, and shared the news that Kent Fuchs, former provost at Cornell, has assumed the presidency of that university. Mary Lu DePuy Whitlock writes that she sold her home of 30 years and states, “carefree retirement living is awesome!” All hands were on deck to help Mary Lu move, “so we enjoyed a reunion as well.”

Myron Miller, who lives in the North Carolina Triangle, has a lot going on. Since retiring from the faculty of Michigan State, he’s led an overseas church ministry in Brazil and Nicaragua and has taken a leadership role in Duke’s lifelong learning programs, while making time for hiking trips in Europe, international business projects, and publishing several history books. He has been chosen to participate in the 100th anniversary of the arrival of American soldiers in Redon, France, in June 1918. His father was there that summer in preparation for his artillery regiment’s involvement in the Battle of the Argonne Forest. Myron’s new book, “Walking in my Father’s Footsteps,” recounts his father’s World War I experiences, including the “remarkable hospitality" of the citizens of Redon.

When asked why she chose Cornell, Tara Prince Goldman recalled a somewhat rebellious youthful attitude: “My father was a graduate of the U. of P. and I wanted to root against him in the annual football game!” Elizabeth Burroughs Miley was convinced by the beauty of the campus and her interest in the food field. “The range of course electives really broadened my interests -- friends, dorm rooms, outdoor surroundings, Cornell songs and concerts, all great.” Liz uses e-mail and smartphone, but beyond that, she’s at the “primitive” stage.

Thanks so much for keeping in touch! My new address is 312 Astilbe Drive, Kennett Square, PA 19348 (just minutes from my daughter, Sue Morris Wilkey, Class of ’84) and new email address is [email protected]. You can always write or email me directly if you’ve misplaced the News and Dues form. Our class website remains classof55.alumni.cornell.edu.

May 2016 – June 2016

We extend our sympathy and love to former class president Barbara Loreto Peltz, whose husband, Lee ’54, died early this year. I can’t think of many Cornell couples who have given more to Cornell, and none who loved it more. Dick Stratton reports that his grandson is a third-generation Cornellian and a member of the ILR Class of ’18. Keeping pace with the younger set, Dick adds that he attends various classes and discussions at local learning centers. Like so many of you, Dick says the Straight was his favorite place to study, eat, and meet with friends. Since graduating, Dick has kept connected with Cornell, visiting campus and attending athletic events, and also interviewing prospective students.

David Knipe’s latest book is Vedic Voices: Intimate Narratives of a Living Andhra Tradition, available on Amazon. Mort Kolko is serving on the board of the Foodlink Foundation and is chairman of the Hospice Advisory Board of Lifetime Care and Hospice. Mort’s grandson graduated with a BA last June. Mort’s favorite place to study, meet, eat and relax was the Beta Sigma Rho house. He’s enjoyed an occasional Penn-Cornell Thanksgiving luncheon, and looks forward to reunion gatherings with his fraternity brothers.

After college, Joan Fellerman Hartz said, she had planned and prepared herself to get a job in Paris, and found herself in David Schoenbrun’s office at CBS News. “He was telling me not to work in Paris, because life was difficult there in the postwar period.” Just then, his secretary buzzed to speak with him. Joan waited outside “and when I reentered, he told me that she had just resigned and that I was hired!” So many lucky turns on the path can happen unexpectedly. Ann Busch Githler is looking forward to being in a retirement community with her partner, George Martin. Ann traveled to Iceland and the Faroe Islands to see the total solar eclipse, preceded by a week each in Prague and Vienna for opera.

Veralee Hardenburg McClain won’t forget singing in the St. Matthew Passion with Keith Faulkner, “and his beautiful bass voice.” Vee also mentioned dancing in the Memorial Room, “looking over the lights of Ithaca.” Elaine Rose Cerny said she’d never forget the Newman Club dance at the Straight, “when Lawrence and I met. Thrilling!” A favorite class for Joan Murray Jobsis was Collective Bargaining in the ILR school. Joan worked her way through college by waitressing at her dorm and later at the Hotel School. She remembers graduation as a beautiful sunny day, “although somewhat anticlimactic for me, since I actually graduated midyear in January. I will always remember going down into a coal mine as part of the ILR bus-riding course, where we visited various industries.”

Barbara Brenner Levine’s favorite class was Gov 101, and she cherishes the memory of “walking over the many bridges, coffee at Japes, and great friends,” such as Nancy Budlong, Libby Milliken, Judith Pentz and Sue Epstein, with whom she often had dinner in Balch. Joanne Nussbaum Leef’s dinner partner was apt to be Carol Rutstein Jackson in Dickson V - and four years later, when Joanne married Bob, Carol was her matron of honor, “and remains my dear friend.”

Money, Currency and Banking was Philip Harvey’s favorite class, and he clearly remembers Guy Bedrossian shedding a tear at graduation. “I was not too far from joining him,” Phil admits. Mable Lamb Haliburton's recollection of graduation was “the different schools standing up in blocks, which saved a lot of time.” Jean Persson Holtzapple recalled her parents being there with flowers - “but where should I put them?” The graduation program was too long, Jean felt, “and I was ready to leave.” Neal Jordan was sitting on the stage that day, representing the Engineering Physics graduates. Many of you noted that the threat of rain had caused graduation ceremonies to be moved inside Barton - but in fact, the sun came out after all. “Earlier in the day,”

Hal Sweeney pointed out, “a group of us newly-commissioned lieutenants received our first salute from the ranking Army sergeant and then handed him “the customary reward: a one-dollar bill.” I liked Hal’s summary on his vision for the future: “I would hope for less economic inequity in American society, less money going into election politics, less hatred and more tolerance toward those of different ethnic, racial or religious background; more governmental attention to working on solving major problems facing this nation, more focus on achieving excellence in education at all levels, more concern about the effects of human activity on our environment — and ultimately on human health and life itself.” Hal and Bill Doerler recently visited with Earle Peterson and his wife, Cindy, in Cooperstown, and toured the 1000+ acre Nature Preserve that Earle has established nearby.

Let’s stay in touch! Busy VP Bill Doerler has been lining up hosts and restaurants for Class of ’55 luncheons in Florida. Volunteers who said they’d be interested in taking part were Rex Boda (Kissimmee), Bernie Rodee (Naples), Ron Ganeles (Boynton Beach), Gerri Sobel Katz (Delray Beach) and Peter Schluter (Fort Myers). The first get-togethers were to be held in February, and Bill would welcome a call from any other classmates who’d like to host or attend. You can reach Bill by phone (609- 575-8718) or e-mail (wdoerler1).

And it’s important to let Cornell know when you change your e-mail address. Til next time . . . ..